Lance Leipold analyzes growth of Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels
There has been a lot of growing up in the Kansas football program lately. Lance Leipold was hired to take the next step forward following the Les Miles debacle, needing the right players to do so. He struck gold with quarterback Jalon Daniels, who has been the lifeblood of the Jayhawks since taking over as the full-time starter in the late portions of the 2021 season.
Daniels is no different from anyone else in Lawrence. There has been some serious growth for him on the field. Leipold says his off-field obligations have helped the process tremendously. As Kansas has continued to win, more people have wanted to talk to Daniels. And when in a professional setting, an 18-21-year-old kid can quickly turn into an adult.
“He’s grown in so many different ways,” Leipold said during Thursday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “Between media exposure and NIL opportunity, that alone is probably a hidden thing that people don’t understand that helps young men grow up.
“Not just how many dollars they get because they have to go do things, they have to act in a professional manner — whether they’re doing it as a spokesman or meeting people. That has really helped him.”
Jalon Daniels remains humble, leader for Kansas as they continue to raise
For the longest time, nobody really took Kansas football too seriously. But in the past few seasons, the Jayhawks have become legitimate competition on the field, constantly putting Big 12 programs on upset alert. A top-five ranked Texas will be the latest on Saturday as KU heads down to Austin for the final time as conference foes.
Leipold credits the leadership of Daniels throughout the entire process, even if there have been some bumps in the roads along the way. Daniels has remained his same self when adversity strikes.
“He continues to grow and prosper as a leader and person through adversity,” Leipold said. “He hasn’t stayed the healthiest. He knows that. But you know, his personality hasn’t changed. He’s got that smile and charisma that can light up a room. He encouraged Jason Bean when he wasn’t playing, he’s been a great teammate.”
With becoming a leader in a rising program comes a little bit more recognition. Daniels has been the star of the show, with Kansas being a fun offense to watch on a weekly basis. Leipold still sees a humble guy despite all of the success — something he calls “refreshing.”
“Certain guys are going to be that focal point,” Leipold said. “He has stayed humble along the way. That has been very refreshing.”