LOCAL PROSPECTS GET OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY IN NFL AS DANIELS & TAYLOR GET CALL
By Deon Cash
Two local football stars will get a chance to realize their dream as they get historic calls during the NFL Draft 2023 process.
Dallas Daniels Headed To Denver
Dallas Daniels, one of the top WRs at Jackson State and in the HBCU Circuit last year, has been picked up by the Denver Broncos, per the reports.
Daniels played for the likes of Jeff Graham, a former NFL reciever himself, at Trotwood High School and would break records and win a OHSAA Championship.
Daniels would get a scholarship and would go to college, traveling to a few schools before landing with Deion Sanders down in Jackson State, where he was arguably the best WR in the league.
While he wasn’t drafted, as soon as the draft was over, Daniels would get a call from the Broncos organization. Deion Sanders, notably known as “Coach Prime”, would speak on Daniels and a few others from his team and the HBCU circuit.
“There should have been more HBCU players drafted. I’m disappointed in the 31 teams who didn’t see the value in the exceptional talent in the HBCU division, especially on my (Jackson State) team.” Sanders would state after the draft.
Nevertheless, there is great optimism for Daniels, as it feels like he has a great chance to latch on after a lackluster performance by the Broncos last season.
When you watch Daniels, it seems like he could fit that mold of what Russell Wilson needs; a WR who runs great routes, but can also improvise if needed.
Colby Lattimer, a Jefferson grad who played for the Broncos in his NFL career a few years ago, gave Daniels a shout as well.
"Welcome to Denver” Latimer posted on his Social Media. Latimer was the top Reciever in the XFL last season.
Leonard Taylor Heads to Jacksonville
Leonard Taylor, one of the more underrated Tight Ends in the country, got his call from the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team on the rise.
Taylor was a very good player for the Cincinnati Bearcats over his career, and provided great play from that position whether he was blocking or catching. His ability to play in any situation and be a key contributor on that College Football Final Four team two years ago was crucial as well.
Taylor played for former NFL Legend and now Head Coach Maurice Douglas at Springfield High School, where he was a two-sport star there before deciding to head to Cincy to play football.
Taylor would become a factor on the Bearcats football field in his sophomore year. Taylor was a key piece which led the Bearcats to the highest ranking ever under the coaching of Luke Fickell.
Taylor has a great shot of making the team, as he is also tough, and will compete for everything, which he has been taught since a young age and with the elite coaching he got in high school and college.
(Desmond Ridder (L) with Taylor (M) in 2021-22)
Jacksonville is on the rise and having a dual threat TE like Taylor is could be essential to the development of a franchise who just made the NFL Playoffs. Not to mention Taylor is 6'6 250, and has good hands, which is ideal for a NFL team.
Good luck to both kids, who had great careers in high school and college.
Follow Daniels, Taylor, and us on the journey!
@DaytonWeek @SELive365
