WEST POINT — Kahnen Daniels had a growing list of offers coming through after a stellar junior season with West Point football, rushing for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns.
The dual-threat quarterback turned heads and made headlines, attracting some of the biggest names in Power Five.
He made his future decision about college official last Monday as Daniels committed to play for Florida and the Southeastern Conference.
“Florida just felt like home,” Daniels said. “I loved how the coaches treated me while I was there and it will be my home for the next three-to-four years.”
Big names entered the fray, like Mississippi State, Alabama, Ole Miss and Oregon, but it was Gainesville that stood out the most.
Daniels didn’t play much in his freshman year for the Green Wave, but made quite the splash beginning his sophomore year.
Since that point, he’s recorded over 3,800 total yards of offense, over 3,000 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns in two years, rushing for 10.2 yards per carry on average.
“The leadership group that he has around him,” West Point head coach Chris Chambless said. “The work ethic that group has, they’re in this thing together, so the expectations they have for each other is high to work hard. That’s pushed him.”
West Point has an impressive history of producing talent across all sports, not just football, and Daniels will soon add his name to the list.
“It feels great to be able to put on for the city,” Daniels said. “I take pride in that, and all the former athletes that’s trying to get to the next level are just leading the way for me and the younger athletes behind me. I’ll continue to keep God first throughout my journey and keep pursuing my goals.”
The Green Wave embody the team aspect of the game well, with players playing for each other. It’s something that’s been the backbone for 11 state titles and seven-straight state title appearances.
Daniels is no different in that endeavor and he’s benefited greatly, as have his teammates.
“Those guys around him have helped him become a great player,” Chambless said. “His work ethic ties into everyone else’s work ethic … The type of man that he is, he’s a good young man, he’s a great leader for our team. He complements his teammates and his teammates complement him.”
The junior still has a year ahead of him to play for that elusive state championship that he and West Point have missed out for the past three years, but the excitement of playing at the next level has deservedly taken center stage.
“I mean what would you feel like if you just committed to one of the best schools in the SEC,” Daniels said. “I felt like it was a dream come true. It’s just a blessing to have the opportunity I have big thanks to my recruiting team and my coaches and teammates for helping me along the way.”
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