Daniel leads Missouri into Texas

The senior quarterback grew up in Texas and was a Longhorns fan.

By Nick Forrester

Published Oct. 16, 2008

Saturday night's game against the No. 1 team in the country, the Texas Longhorns, has special meaning for senior quarterback Chase Daniel. Not only did Daniel grow up in Texas, attending Southlake Carroll High School, but he also grew up a Longhorn fan and was snubbed by Texas until the end of the recruitment process. Daniel is one of 28 Tigers returning to their home state this weekend.

"Everyone growing up in the state of Texas wants to go to Texas," Daniel said. "I knew they were going in a different direction, which was fine. I went my way and they went theirs, and I think it worked out for both of us. That happened so long ago. It's four or five years ago and I've had such a great experience here. I don't really think about it too much anymore. It's how it's supposed to be."

Just days before national signing day, Texas coach Mack Brown called Daniel's high school coach, Todd Dodge, to talk about Daniel becoming a Longhorn. But Daniel was already committed to Missouri.

"(Missouri's) been perfect for him," Brown said. "I don't think it could be a better ending for the story for him. He's had the same success at Missouri as he did at Southlake Carroll. Chase is a guy that we liked and we wanted. I'm proud of him for sticking with the original commitment he had."

Through six games this season, Daniel has directed the offense to a No. 3 national ranking in both total offense (549.67 yards per game) and scoring (48.33 points per game). So far this season, Daniel is 158 for 204 (76 percent) for 2,055 yards and 16 touchdowns.

"Through all my life, I've always had a chip on my shoulder," Daniel said. "People have said I'm too short or not had a strong enough arm. But you can't measure me by the size of my body, but my heart. That separates me from a lot of guys."

Dodge also has high praise for Daniel.

"He never lets his success make him complacent and keeping him from going and taking his team to new heights," Dodge said. "He never gets too high with his highs or too low with his lows. Every time I get the chance, I tell him how proud I am of him."

Daniel's task won't be easy on Saturday against Texas. Not only will he have more than 90,000 fans screaming against him, but he will also have one of the nation's top defenses coming after him. Texas is leading the Big 12 in fewest points allowed per game (15.3), and has only allowed 10 touchdowns all season. Texas is the only team in the country that hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown this season.

One of the main reasons for Texas's success is senior defensive end Brian Orakpo. Orakpo has eight sacks on the season.

"He's really good," coach Gary Pinkel said. "He's very impressive. We're going to have a great challenge there. No question about it. He's a great player, not a good player, a great player."

Texas is inexperienced at safety though. Two freshmen, Earl Thomas and Blake Gideon, are currently the starters.

"They are out there because they can play," sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Maclin said. "There's no doubt about that. But with freshmen comes inexperience, so we'll hopefully be able to take advantage of that."