Jayden Daniels explains how much knowledge he has gained at Manning Passing Academy

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels was one of the select few quarterbacks in the country that participated in the Manning Passing Academy over the weekend, as the nation’s top collegiate quarterbacks got to show off and sharpen their skills and also serve as counselors to the youth.

Daniels did not take his invitation or experience at the Manning Passing Academy lightly, as he reflected on his biggest takeaways from his weekend in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

“Just the knowledge from the Manning family, from the other college counselors, just be able to just pick their brain and see what their system is like or what things that they see in their college experience,” Daniels said. “Really just coming out here and having fun with the kids and really just gaining as much knowledge as possible.”

Archie, Eli, and Payton Manning are names that are regarded highly in the football landscape, especially at the quarterback position. The trio is loaded with NFL experience and success at the position, and learning from them for a weekend was a no-brainer to Daniels’ perspective.

“Just the knowledge that they have, it’s football royalty here,” Daniels said. “So it’s a blessing when Archie texts my phone to be a counselor this year, I couldn’t turn it down and say no. I’m right down the street so it’s not that far.”

Daniels also used the opportunity to learn from his fellow counselors over the weekend, as top quarterbacks from around the country like Drake Maye, Michael Penix, Quinn Ewers, and Joe Milton were also in attendance. Even his own teammate and quarterback counterpart Garrett Nussmeier was a counselor, as college football’s best not only pushed each other to get better, but the youth as well.

“But just being able to be around, and not be around them, but also be around my fellow companions as far as the other college quarterbacks. Just pick their brain, see where their head is at and really just go out here,” Daniels said. “All this is tied in together, going and teaching the kids, the next generation so I can leave a mark on my legacy.”

Daniels established himself as one of the nation’s most lethal dual-threat quarterbacks last season, leaning on his legs for a lot of his production. But he definitely impressed with his arm over the weekend at the Manning Passing Academy, named as one of the top performers of Friday by On3.

Nussmeier was named to the list as well, as LSU’s staff will continue to evaluate how to potentially use both of their talented quarterbacks who not only stood out at the Manning Passing Academy, but could stand out during the season for the Tigers.