NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: AJ Daniels, TE/WR, Southwestern University
Player Profile:
- AJ Daniels
- Southwestern University
- TE/WR
- 6’4”
- 230 lbs.
- Benbrook, TX
- Twitter: @CamoQB
2018 Accolades & Statistics:
- 2018 All-ASC Football First Team.
- Receptions: 23
- Receiving Yards: 281
- YPR: 12.22
- TDs: 4
What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?
Who You Say I Am – Hillsong.
How would your teammates describe you as both a player and person?
As a person they would say that I’m pretty goofy and easy going. But they would also say that I am a leader. As a player they would say I am willing to do anything it takes to win.
How do you and your teammates make practice and film study fun?
We celebrate our accomplishments in practice and in film. Not just the obvious ones like catching a pass, but opening up a touchdown for someone else with a block. We take it seriously, but we also know how to make jokes. At the end of the day, just being able to play football and watch film is fun for me.
When you are studying film, what is your main focus to gain a competitive advantage?
Obviously, I look for tendencies, fronts, and coverages. But throughout college I really learned how to pay attention to my opponent’s body language. It is time consuming, but you can learn and predict what an opponent will do by looking for the little things.
While at the Collegiate level, who has been the toughest player you have competed against?
Ajay Fanene from UMHB.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
My family, friends and upbringing.
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?
I would be able to sing. I love to do it, I just sound awful.
What do you value most from your Collegiate experience?
The relationships and memories I made. Through football and outside of football I met great people and the memories we made are something I will have until the end of my life.
Who is your personal hero?
My parents. Without a doubt they are the biggest reason I have been given this many opportunities. They set a great example of how to live a godly life and how to deny yourself to help other people.
Tell me something about yourself nobody would know.
99% of most people don’t know that I played Kenickie in my high school’s production of Grease.
How do you work on yourself?
Reading the Bible. If what I am doing doesn’t reflect the way that Christ loves us, then that’s something I need to work on. And I’ve always got a lot of work to do.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
With all my family and friends. There are definitely interesting people in the world, but I’m not going to pass up an opportunity to be with people that know me best.
If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why?
It would be pretty cool to talk to animals. I could have a lot of back up if I needed to and it would be nice to know what my cows are thinking.
What would constitute a perfect day for you?
If it would be possible to hunt, fish, and play football in one day. Then finish it with a Sweet and Spicy Bacon Burger from Whataburger.
Who inspired you as a young athlete?
Russell Wilson inspired me to be a great player and to work my tail off to get something that I want. I was also inspired by how he acted off the field. People that told me I would never be able to play football also inspired me.
What are the positive attributes that you bring to a professional football team?
Hard work; I’m not going to stop until the task is completed. Flexibility; in college I threw, ran, blocked, punted, and caught passes. I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team. I would also bring leadership. Of course, that is something that is earned, but even through leading by example until I have earned that respect.
Tell me about a time where you overcame a challenge.
When I was a kid, I showed cows. The first cow I got was wild and underfed. My dad and I spent countless hours with her trying to train her. I was 12 so I was too little to halter break her by myself, but I also had to clean up behind her, feed her, and make sure she had water. When most kids were able to hangout with their friends after school, I was at the barn doing physical labor. She was so wild that at one point we thought we wouldn’t be able to even show her. But when the day of the show came, we were able to get her into the ring. When I was younger, I was mad that I couldn’t do what the other kids were doing, but now I am glad I had that experience.
What one skill would you like to improve on? What’s your plan for doing so?
I would like to improve to not being so hard on myself. I can have a great performance or day and many times I will still think about the one part I messed up on. I have started improving by writing down the good things I did as well as the bad, so I can see that I did more good than bad.
If you could catch a TD from any NFL QB, past or present, who would it be and why?
Tom Brady. Being able to catch a touchdown from the greatest to ever do it would be amazing.
What current/former NFL player do you model your playing style after?
Trey Burton. He is a converted quarterback and we have similar measurables and playing styles.
What is the best part of your hometown; Benbrook, TX?
The small community. And the best part about being home is being away from city life.
In 15 words or less, give me your pitch to an NFL GM on why you should be a part of their organization.
I’m a hardworking team player, who absolutely loves the process and football.
