Maryland Football: Elijah Daniels could contribute immediately

The secondary is one of the biggest question marks on the Maryland roster entering the 2016 season.

With so much uncertainty, incoming freshman Elijah Daniels has a chance to contribute immediately for the Terrapins.

Maryland had a veteran defensive backfield a season ago with Sean Davis, A.J. Hendy, and Anthony Nixon helping to compliment cornerback Will Likely. Flip the script to this coming season and three of those defensive backs have since graduated.

Davis ended up being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

As the 2016 season gets closer, it’s possible that Maryland’s secondary could consist of Denzel Conyers, Likely, Darnell Savage, and Josh Woods. Antwaine Carter, Alvin Hill, and Jarrett Ross also could vie for playing time.

With all that being said, Daniels has as good a chance as anybody to make an impact outside of Likely.

According to 247Sports, Daniels was rated as the No. 910 player in the nation along with being the 60th best safety. He also comes from a highly regarded high school program in Cardinal Gibbons (Fla.).

Along with his brother Elisha, Daniels was originally committed to Minnesota before flipping his pledge to Maryland right before National Signing Day.

In terms of his play on the field, Daniels brings a dash of physicality to the Maryland secondary. During his time at Cardinal Gibbons, the 5’11 safety was a heavy-hitter that can flat-out put opposing players on the ground.

When Daniels gets someone in his sights, he’s definitely going to bring them to the ground. He’s a superb tackler that wraps up.

Another thing that jumps out on film is that Daniels is very quick and can rush the quarterback when he has to. Cardinal Gibbons lined Daniels up in packages that featured a defensive back blitz quite often.

His speed allows him to make life difficult for the quarterback and that alters many throws.

Daniels has a ton of attributes that could make him a very talented player at the collegiate level. It’s going to come down to how he performs during training camp as to whether he’ll see time in the secondary.

At the very least, Daniels should have the opportunity to compete on special teams. Teams can never have enough gunners on both the kick and punt return teams.

Next: Patrick Mullins traded to D.C. United

Whether he sees time in the secondary or on special teams, Daniels certainly has the ability to make an impact for the Terps this fall.