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Skinny: McDaniel is a sound tackler that enjoys the physical aspect of the game and would be ideal as a strong safety.  He does have some defficiencies reading the quarterback and might be a liability if asked to do too much but is sound against the run.  Has the speed and size to be a decent specialty linebacker in some coverage packages also.

2010: After receiving a second round grade from the NFL Advisory Committee last year, McDaniel returned for his senior season and continued to rack up accolades. Originally recruited as a linebacker, the Florida native made a seamless transition from linebacker to strong safety following his sophomore campaign. In addition to being a quality football player, he also possesses the type of work ethic you usually see from team leaders, as McDaniel is known for his relentless film study habits. However, one red flag that teams will be sure to investigate is a 2008 incident, in which McDaniel was arrested on charges of aggravated assault against his girlfriend. In the league where they play for pay, talent is the ultimate over-ruling factor, like it or not and there is no denying that his combination of physical attributes, to go along with his ability to defend the pass or the run makes McDaniel one of the most sought after safeties in this draft.

SCOUT'S TAKE

2010: After learning he would likely be a second-round choice in the 2010 NFL Draft, McDaniel followed C.J. Spiller’s lead from a year ago and decided to return to Clemson for his senior campaign. If the safety performs during his senior year at the same level he did a year ago and answers the questions regarding his character (arrested for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, charged with a misdemeanor and placed on a pre-trial intervention program), he ought to be a lock for the first round. One of the most well-rounded safety prospects in college football, not only does McDaniel have excellent physical attributes; his game instincts, practice habits and film study are all truly remarkable. New to the safety position, McDaniel was recruited to Clemson to play linebacker but his skill set just matched up too perfectly for the safety position. Last year, his first year as a full-time starter at safety, McDaniel was equally intimidating in the run game as he is in the pass game. The Clemson Tiger should be the top strong safety in the 2011 NFL Draft, with the versatility to play free safety as well.

2009: It’s no accident that he often finds himself in the right place to make a play. His anticipation and closing speed are second to none. He flat out attacks the ball if it’s anywhere near him and usually comes up with a big interception or deflection thanks to his extraordinary ball skills, which allow him to scoop low throws up from his ankles if he has to. His aggressiveness also shines through in the way he squares up on ball carriers and lays the wood on his helpless adversaries. The biggest concern with the collegiate star is his off-the-field behavior. Previously, he’s shown the tendency to use his intensity and combative spirit for the wrong reasons toward women. Let’s hope he’s turned the corner in that regard. There isn’t much not to like about McDaniel on the field. His intense study habits in breaking down film and learning about the opposition’s tendencies really comes through in his performance. McDaniel's intelligence, passion, and blinding quickness in stepping in front of receivers in pass coverage put him on the short list of top safeties in this year’s draft if he decides to come out.

NEWS

2010: The 6’1 strong safety possesses great athleticism—has a 37” vertical jump and transitioned from linebacker last season with a bang, tying a school record with eight interceptions. McDaniel received a second round grade from the NFL Advisory Committee this past season, another year of development should only boost his draft stock.

12/28/09 - McDaniel said after Sunday night’s Music City bowl win, however, that he was leaning toward returning and getting his degree, especially considering that he is hearing that he would be a second round pick in the draft. He has not yet received a grade from the league. “I feel I am better than second,” McDaniel said after the bowl game. “I am leaning toward coming back and getting my degree. That is one of my main focuses. I am sure I will know something in the next week. I am playing for that first round spot, but it is what it is. If it is the second round, I am coming back. It will have to come down to my gut feeling, and right now, everybody is telling me that it will be the second round.” McDaniel finished the season with eight interceptions, which tied a Clemson single-season record, and said that several players have personally asked him to return. He also said he was sure the Clemson coaching staff would want him to come back. - TigerNet.com

12/20/09 - Clemson junior safety DeAndre McDaniel has said he‘ll only turn pro this winter if he gets a first-round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Committee.

11/03/09 - In a recent press conference, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney reflected on his prized strong safety DeAndre McDaniel. He offered: “He was hard to recruit. I sure am glad we got him. He has been a maturing kid and I am real proud of him. He is a great player and another one of those guys that I thought we may be better this year than last year with him at safety. He has great instincts. The instincts that make him a great player sometimes can be a negative, but he is a special player. I am really proud of him. He is a guy that has overcome a lot in his life and appreciates where he is.”

10/27/09 - Clemson safety DeAndre McDaniel has been named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week for games of the weekend of Oct. 24. McDaniel, a 6-1, 210-pound junior from Tallahassee, Fla., collected seven tackles and made two interceptions in the Tigers' 40-37 overtime win at eighth-ranked Miami. One of the interceptions McDaniel returned 23 yards for a touchdown. McDaniel has seven interceptions in seven games and is the nation's co-leader in that department. McDaniel will be added to the 2009 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. - FWAA/Bronko Nagurski Award

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