Sep 6, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Elijah Daniel (97) defends San Jose State Spartans quarterback Blake Jurich (14) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Elijah Daniel
Sophomore Elijah Daniel had some pretty hefty expectations placed upon him entering the 2014 season. The 6-foot-2, 263-pound former four-star recruit had nine tackles, 2.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hurries as a freshman, and appeared to be an option for considerable playing time in 2014. However, he was hampered by injury nearly all season.
“He got behind,” former defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said midway through the season. “I think he’s still trying to catch up with some of those older guys. … He’s had some missed sacks, he’s lost contain on the quarterback a few times. He really hasn’t had but about three completely healthy weeks of practice. He’s a rep guy. He needs all the work he can get as a young player.”
Because of the injury to Lambert, Daniel earned his first career start on the biggest stage of the season: the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa. The previous week, he recorded seven quarterback hurries and a sack against Samford.
Despite some success as a pass rusher, Daniel may be a candidate to more to defensive tackle.
“He’s physical enough to play one-on-one with the guards we’ve got to play against, but he’s quick enough and fast enough and explosive enough to run the twists and get outside and control the quarterback and other things that our big tackles sometimes struggle with,” Johnson said in September 2013 after Daniel had worked as an interior lineman.
He’s got the talent to push Lambert and President not only for playing time, but also for the top spot on the depth chart. However, his services may be needed more inside with the loss of four senior defensive tackles.
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