‘I’m back:’ QB Jayden Daniels announces return to Arizona State
Dec 2, 2021, 11:07 AM | Updated: 11:10 am
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels appears to be headed back to the Sun Devils for his senior season.
In an edited video posted to Twitter that ends with a musical drop from T.I.’s song “I’m back,” Daniels is shown embracing head coach Herm Edwards.
— Jayden Daniels (@JayD__5) December 2, 2021
The clip also includes an audio soundbite from Edwards.
“We talk about life, we talk about him becoming a leader,” Edwards says in the video. “And I’ve talked to him about this: Enjoy being in college football. Just enjoy it.”
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Daniels has been through a bumpy 2021 season. He’s completed 66% of his passes for 2,221 yards, but his 7.9 yards per attempt and 138.4 passing rating were the lowest of his three seasons at ASU.
The 6-foot-3 signal caller threw 10 touchdowns to nine interceptions and relied heavily — often too much, Edwards has admitted — on his legs.
But on the ground, Daniels has been dangerous for opponents.
He rushed for 670 yards on 119 carries, scoring six touchdowns to help Arizona State to an 8-4 regular season record.
The Sun Devils wrapped Pac-12 play with a win against Arizona and now await their bowl fate, which will be revealed on Sunday.
While there appeared to be a chance for Daniels to explore the NFL leading into the 2021 season, the lack of emerging receivers and inconsistent play from Daniels hurt his stock. That stock can likely can be much-improved with another year in college, as ASU can hope its weapons develop around the quarterback.
It helps for Daniels that Edwards has confirmed he will be retained as head coach and the quarterback can spend another offseason working under offensive coordinator Zak Hill.
