Illinois added a commitment on Tuesday from 3-star offensive lineman Braeden Daniels from Carrollton (Texas) Hebron.
On film, the first thing that jumps out about Daniels is his athleticism. He's gets a quick start and can easily reach second tier defenders. Daniels is a knee bender and his quick feet allow him to get good angles. Those quick initial steps will allow Daniels to be very good in a zone scheme, and he can also pull and get out in front of plays.
Like a lot of young lineman, Daniels will need to add strength and girth. Because of his relatively slender body, Big Ten defenders will be able to pick him up and move him early in college career. He plays with natural power already, however, and likely won't need multiple years in the Illini strength program to contribute. His tenacity is very good, and he finishes his blocks. Though he's a bit short for a tackle at 6-foot-4, Daniels has long arm arms and could play inside or outside at the next level.
From a technique standpoint, Daniels is most polished as a pass blocker. He could be a little better at using his hands, but he has nice balance, gets his arms extended, and has good punch for a high school lineman. He doesn't easily get swatted away by defensive linemen.
In the running game, Daniels isn't a road grader type like 2017 recruits Larry Boyd and Vederian Lowe or 2018 commit Jordyn Slaughter. You don't see a lot of pancake blocks out of him. He relies more on speed and angles. He will be excellent at stretch blocks. Coaches will want to see a bigger collision on his initial contact with defenders. But once he locks on, he takes guys out of plays. He can be a devastating blocker in space.
On film, the first thing that jumps out about Daniels is his athleticism. He's gets a quick start and can easily reach second tier defenders. Daniels is a knee bender and his quick feet allow him to get good angles. Those quick initial steps will allow Daniels to be very good in a zone scheme, and he can also pull and get out in front of plays.
Like a lot of young lineman, Daniels will need to add strength and girth. Because of his relatively slender body, Big Ten defenders will be able to pick him up and move him early in college career. He plays with natural power already, however, and likely won't need multiple years in the Illini strength program to contribute. His tenacity is very good, and he finishes his blocks. Though he's a bit short for a tackle at 6-foot-4, Daniels has long arm arms and could play inside or outside at the next level.
From a technique standpoint, Daniels is most polished as a pass blocker. He could be a little better at using his hands, but he has nice balance, gets his arms extended, and has good punch for a high school lineman. He doesn't easily get swatted away by defensive linemen.
In the running game, Daniels isn't a road grader type like 2017 recruits Larry Boyd and Vederian Lowe or 2018 commit Jordyn Slaughter. You don't see a lot of pancake blocks out of him. He relies more on speed and angles. He will be excellent at stretch blocks. Coaches will want to see a bigger collision on his initial contact with defenders. But once he locks on, he takes guys out of plays. He can be a devastating blocker in space.
