Change of Heart for McDaniel

In December one of the most underrated wide receiver prospects in the country, verbally committed with his teammate to the Florida Gators. However, after careful thought, the 6-foot-0 and 195 pound Virginia Beach (VA) Landstown star change his mind and signed with the Garnet & Gold.

Damon McDaniel was one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country for the class of 2007. However, he has lived in the shadow of his former high school teammate in Army All-American Percy Harvin. The Virginia standout will make a name for himself in Tallahassee and not Gainesville.

When he made his decision to be a Gator, he didn’t even list Florida State as one of his finalist.

“I kind of rushed into my decision,” McDaniel said. “After looking at the pro’s and con’s, I felt like Florida State was best for me. I actually grew up a Miami fan but I’m not sure what direction they are headed after the firings of their coaches. Plus, they don’t throw the ball as much as Florida State.”

What exactly where some of the pro’s for selection of the Garnet & Gold?

“Florida State plays in the ACC which will allow my family to see a lot of my games,” he said. “Also, I didn’t realize how much Florida State threw the ball to the wide receivers. My whole family felt like Florida State would benefit me the most.”

McDaniel, who will report to Tallahassee in late June, keeps in touch with Seminole wide receiver D’Cody Fagg.

“We keep in touch quite a bit,” he said. “He’s great along with the rest of the receivers. It’s like a family. D’Cody said they help each other despite the competition for the starting spots. They don’t turn their backs on their teammates.”

As a senior, McDaniel put up huge numbers. He had 92 catches for 1,574 yards (17.1 per catch) yards and 26 touchdowns.

“I hope to compete for some playing time as a true freshman,” he said. “I think my biggest asset is my heart. I also like to compete at a high level of competition.”

The senior high school receiver will wear the No. 12 jersey for the Seminoles.