Oregon State insider provides update on JT Daniels recruitment after visit

Former Georgia and USC quarterback JT Daniels recently took a visit to Oregon State, but he wanted to watch practice, not stop for a photo shoot. As the coveted transfer portal prospect, and former five-star recruit, nears a decision on his third stop, Oregon State insider John Canzano provided the latest on the process.

According to the report by Canzano, JT Daniels visit to Oregon State went well. He arrived with his father and watched spring practice, choosing to skip the customary photo op in order to further study Jonathan Smith’s offensive philosophy.

One source told Canzano, “he is all about ball.”

Oregon State does not have a glaring need at the position, with Tyler Throckmorton, Tristan Gebbia and Ben Gulbranson on the roster alongside returning starter Chance Nolan, but could get a big boost from adding the transfer portal prospect who originally held the Georgia job last season.

The quarterback began his college career at USC in 2018. A five-star prospect, he was the Trojans starter as a freshman, finishing with 2,672 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Daniels suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2019, opening the door for Kedon Slovis to take over.

He then moved to Georgia as the presumed starter for what turned out to be a national championship season. However, he suffered injuries early on and was supplanted by Stetson Bennett. Daniels played nine games for the Bulldogs over the past two seasons, throwing for 1,953 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions.

If Daniels can stay healthy at his third collegiate stop, he could provide a boost to one of the three schools considered most-heavily involved. Along with Oregon State, Missouri and West Virginia have become seriously involved in his recruitment for the 2022 season.

Oregon State quarterback competition

Oregon State will have a quarterback competition on its hands this spring and into the fall. However, the Beavers return 2021 starter Chance Nolan.

Nolan, who started his career at Middle Tennessee State before transferring twice, once to Saddleback C.C then again to Oregon State, won the starting job and took the program to a 7-6 finish. He threw 2,677 yards, which was 55th in the country, with a 64.2% completion percentage. He had 19 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions and three rushing scores.

Daniels has competed for, and won the starting job, at both of the programs he’s played for. However, untimely injuries have stymied his ability to hold on to the reins.