'11 IL WR DaVaris Daniels (Signed Notre Dame LOI)

[Bluto]

I don't think that was the point. I think the point was that you reward the guy who honored his end of the bargain when he came to ND. The guy who actually put in the work to stay eligible, and worked hard to make a difference on the field. If you have to choose between 2 of that type of individual for just one slot, then there is nothing bad about not giving the one guy his 5th year. But it's bad karma to deny that guy, while rewarding a guy who hasn't lived up to his side of the deal.

Not only is it bad karma but bad coaching from a team chemistry standpoint. Rewarding those who continually screw up and are not all in is the most sure fire way to torpeado a team and a program.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Personally, I would have loved to see Daniels come back. His talent is undeniable, and there were definitely times this year I thought we could have used him. That being said, if there's one position I'm not worried about for next year, it's WR. I hope Daniels goes higher in the draft than people are predicting, I'd love to see the Bears use a 3rd or 4th rounder on him. I think he's got 1st round potential.

 

[Crazy Balki]

He wasn't a locker room cancer in the sense that he was bitching about playing time or getting in fights with teammates. But he had a huge problem with his work ethic in practice, and his inconsistent play was attributed to his lack of consistent work ethic and his lack of consistent focus. He's the same player that could torch the Alabama secondary and then have 2 catches against the likes of Navy and AF, and absolutely stink up the joint against Rutgers.

If you have a team of players at the WR position that have a good chemistry, have a lot of hard workers, and a lot of returning talent, it is a risk to bring back a kid who never gave you a consistent effort and got kicked out of school twice, no matter how talented he is.

Quick story about Aaron Lynch. He was so lazy in practice, and got away with so much crap that others weren't allowed to do in practice (thank you Mike Elston), that there was about to be a mutiny on the team if things didn't change. Couple days later he transferred out...cancer removed. The team (which at the time I said would desperately need a pass rusher of his skills) never looked back and went to the natty, and was probably the closest group of players most of us have ever seen.

Not saying that DD is another Lynch, but team chemistry is something that must be considered.

FWIW...I think he is a stud and I was torn on wanting him back or not. Like I said with ND missing Lynch badly on 3rd and 8 (I stand by that, but I was wrong bc removing the cancer helped the team much more), we might miss DD the most on 3rd and 8 when we need a big body to go up the middle with no fear. Hopefully someone else steps up (the talent is there). And I have no problem with the ethics of it...but if DD didn't get invited back, he has no one to blame but himself.

That's not fair. I'm not suppose to agree with you.

 

[Fbolt]

Agreed Syria-Bears could use him. They could have their hands full with an immature kid though.

Best of luck DD

 

[Crazy Balki]

Personally, I would have loved to see Daniels come back. His talent is undeniable, and there were definitely times this year I thought we could have used him. That being said, if there's one position I'm not worried about for next year, it's WR. I hope Daniels goes higher in the draft than people are predicting, I'd love to see the Bears use a 3rd or 4th rounder on him. I think he's got 1st round potential.

This. If the league can do something to change the ethic of Lynch (at least somewhat), it certainly can do wonders for Daniels. Maybe, not having to focus on schoolwork will do him well.

 

[GoldenToTheGrave]

I'm pretty sure that the "ethics" in this situation can only be answered by inside people who really lived their ways through this saga {Daniels, the coaching staff, teammates} probably none of whom post on IE. So, in my opinion, all we have to talk about is "do we need Davaris on the 2015 team?"

Everyone is welcome to their opinion on that, but to my eye, our wide receivers were VERY good last year, Corey Robinson will likely not have broken hands by next year, Justin Brent will likely be a stud, and superWill and CBreezy will be even better. This receiving corps is outstanding and Coach has enough trouble getting them snaps as it is... AND it's odd that so many on IE think that we should SUPPRESS the passing game more so that we can muscle up and run it.

Nothing that I'm seeing or hearing indicates to me that next year's team needs DD, whether we can count on good behavior out of him or not. AND therefore if I can get a player either to return or commit at a position of need, then that's the roster management I'd prefer. I'd almost kill for a safety who actually knew the game instinctively for instance.

That said, DD you have been part of Notre Dame, and even if your heart was occasionally not sufficiently into it, I hope that you knock them dead in the pros and become rich and famous.

While I certainly hope you are correct and think you will be, outside of Fuller we don't have a single WR that has proven to play at a high level on the field. Having Daniels back on the team would give us one of the more dangerous WR corps in the country and would be invaluable in a potential playoff run next year.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Golden: I've seen it pre-handbreak in Robinson, and I've seen it in this season with Brown [to say nothing of Prosise, though I suppose I'm not supposed to count him--- still his threatening presence makes the wides' jobs easier]. I take into account the Golson factor in missing the quick read part of the offense which these receivers are taught to be their primary route move. In other words I believe that the receivers suffered in part because the passing rhythm was not regularly on time. They are FAR better than they were allowed to show due to this in my opinion. That presumption will be experimentally tested if Everett or Malik can actually run the Kelly timed patterns correctly.

 

[dshans]

The ND head coach knows which athletes he wants back for another year. BUT the head coach at ND doesn't decide which student athletes get admitted for another year, a Faculty Committee does. THIS IS NOTRE DAME.

If your academic record isn't up to standards, you get to go somewhere else.

I heartily agree. I find it frustrating at times that so many confuse, or fail to distinguish, the difference among the values of athletics, academics and ethics at Notre Dame.

While winning in sports is certainly a goal, winning at the expense of a reduction of standards is (no longer) a primary part in the equation. Fairness, toleration, hope and patience for personal correction and hope for rehabilitation are certainly part of the "calculation;" but "position of need" and "freakish" athleticism should not be in light of certain deficiencies.

The concept of an "automatic" fifth year is foreign to me. Should a four year graduate with an NCAA allowed a fifth year of eligibility be academically suitable for a graduate program – "Such a deal!"

If not, arm strength, 40 yard speed, vertical leap and "swivel hips" be damned. Time to move on. To be harsh, "hit the road Jack," all the best and do your best to make the best of your ND experience.

THIS IS NOTRE DAME.

 

[Irish#1]

Having the most talent doesn't always translate to "the best player". As NDinLA pointed out, if he's not working hard in practice, then he is missing a key component. How many times do we hear about an athlete that could have been special if they had just applied themselves?

From what I've read, DD didn't apply himself in practice or in the classroom. Some of the biggest lessons learned in college are "life lessons" and not academic.

I wish him the best, hope he makes an NFL roster and represents the Irish big time.

 

[kmoose]

Personally, I would have loved to see Daniels come back. His talent is undeniable, and there were definitely times this year I thought we could have used him.

I tend to agree, but he also could have turned out to be Duval Kamara, Pt. Deux.

 

[GoIrish41]

So much talent wasted. Don't see him going any higher than the mid-rounds because he doesn't have a complete enough resume to go much higher. Good luck DD. We hardly knew ye.

 

[JughedJones]

I would have loved him to come back.

That said, the kid that already made doofus moves is making another doofus move.

Good luck, kiddo.

 

[irishfan]

Usually, I always want the Pats to draft ND guys (and they never do), but I really have no opinion on DD. He wont have to worry about academics, but probably not serious enough to make it in the league, at least not in New England. He might get his head out of his ass, but I wouldn't waste anything above a 7th rounder on him personally. WRs are so replaceable as is.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Usually, I always want the Pats to draft ND guys (and they never do), but I really have no opinion on DD. He wont have to worry about academics, but probably not serious enough to make it in the league, at least not in New England. He might get his head out of his ass, but I wouldn't waste anything above a 7th rounder on him personally. WRs are so replaceable as is.

He would be the most talented WR on the roster if he was drafted there

 

[woolybug25]

He would be the most talented WR on the roster if he was drafted there

No way, Jose.

Lafell and Edelman would both be in front of him.

 

[stlnd01]

He would be the most talented WR on the roster if he was drafted there

I think if the Patriots cared about that at some point over the last decade they would have acquired a more "talented" wide receiver (Randy Moss excepted). They appear to want disciplined guys who can run their system, and they seem quite able to find them. DD doesn't appear to be a particularly good fit.

 

[dublinirish]

DD to the Redskins, you know it makes sense!

 

[kmoose]

I think that people are a little too high on Davaris Daniels. In his only year of note (2013), he registered 49 catches for 745 yards and 4 TDs. Those are not BAD numbers, but they are pretty average. They certainly are not stellar. In comparison: In 2014, there were 70 DI-A players that had 800 yards or more receiving. I don't see Davaris being a first day pick. However, I think it is very likely that his dad damaged the relationship with ND to the point that Davaris feels there is no other alternative than turning pro.

 

[koonja]

I think that people are a little too high on Davaris Daniels. In his only year of note (2013), he registered 49 catches for 745 yards and 4 TDs. Those are not BAD numbers, but they are pretty average. They certainly are not stellar. In comparison: In 2014, there were 70 DI-A players that had 800 yards or more receiving. I don't see Davaris being a first day pick. However, I think it is very likely that his dad damaged the relationship with ND to the point that Davaris feels there is no other alternative than turning pro.

Very valid points but true players show up when the lights are on IMO. Plus, he had Eifert and TJ taking a lot of season reps, but vs. Bama DD was the 'star' if there ever was one.

Vs. Bama when we had no run game, no defense, he managed like 6 catches for 120 yards and a TD (or 2 TDs?). No one outside of Fuller has that type of ability against the 2012 Bama team, and even then I dont think Fuller has that production.

The lights were on and DD showed he belonged in the big stage as a RS freshman IMO.

 

[irishff1014]

DD was good player but not great. I am OK with him going to the NFL our wrs this year were above average and should improve greatly. 2 acedmic issues shows he wasnt living up to the student part. He got a second chance and blew that. I don't hate him but everything has to end at some point.

 

[kmoose]

Very valid points but true players show up when the lights are on IMO. Plus, he had Eifert and TJ taking a lot of season reps, but vs. Bama DD was the 'star' if there ever was one.

Vs. Bama when we had no run game, no defense, he managed like 6 catches for 120 yards and a TD (or 2 TDs?). No one outside of Fuller has that type of ability against the 2012 Bama team, and even then I dont think Fuller has that production.

The lights were on and DD showed he belonged in the big stage as a RS freshman IMO.

Daniels had 6 catches for 115 yards, but TJ Jones had 7 for 90. So it's not like Daniels was the only one who showed up.

And NFL teams generally don't draft players based on a single game. They want guys who show up to play everyday, not just when the lights are brightest.

 

[Ironman8]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>DaVaris Daniels has accepted an invite to the NFL Combine, was unsure of fall eligibility <a href="http://t.co/crDWOwVwvV">http://t.co/crDWOwVwvV</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/nironside247">@nironside247</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NDFB?src=hash">#NDFB</a></p>— Notre Dame 247 (@NotreDame247) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotreDame247/status/560122859184349184">January 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[Veritate Duce Progredi]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>DaVaris Daniels has accepted an invite to the NFL Combine, was unsure of fall eligibility <a href="http://t.co/crDWOwVwvV">http://t.co/crDWOwVwvV</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/nironside247">@nironside247</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NDFB?src=hash">#NDFB</a></p>— Notre Dame 247 (@NotreDame247) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotreDame247/status/560122859184349184">January 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Minimum 5th rd pick. He is the quintessential steal in later rounds. Could've had an outstanding career, physically put together for the pros, failed to produce consistently and had some questionable decision making but is by no means a cancer or problem for a locker room.

If you are a GM, this is the guy that keeps you in the business. The late round steals.

 

[koonja]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>DaVaris Daniels has accepted an invite to the NFL Combine, was unsure of fall eligibility <a href="http://t.co/crDWOwVwvV">http://t.co/crDWOwVwvV</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/nironside247">@nironside247</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NDFB?src=hash">#NDFB</a></p>— Notre Dame 247 (@NotreDame247) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotreDame247/status/560122859184349184">January 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I know no one agrees with me, but if true, this is bogus on behalf of the administration.

He shouldn't have to wait until summer to know if he'll be back. If he's not going to get accepted, tell him. Don't put him in a position to get screwed out of the draft or getting back into school. You have ALL of his academic records, all of the stuff he needs to do to graduate. I am not saying they should accept him. I'm saying they should tell him if he's going to get 'in' or not based on knowledge or records that WILL NOT CHANGE between the time he's out and applying again.

 

[IrishLax]

I know no one agrees with me, but if true, this is bogus on behalf of the administration.

He shouldn't have to wait until summer to know if he'll be back. If he's not going to get accepted, tell him. Don't put him in a position to get screwed out of the draft or getting back into school. You have ALL of his academic records, all of the stuff he needs to do to graduate. I am not saying they should accept him. I'm saying they should tell him if he's going to get 'in' or not based on knowledge or records that WILL NOT CHANGE between the time he's out and applying again.

Disagree. This isn't some first time offender who "deserves" anything from the school... the school took a risk on him in the first place, because he initially wasn't passing admissions. Then he has been on thin ice basically since he's been here. And he got a second chance, which he blew, and then got a third chance, which he blew, so this would be his 4th chance to get his academics straight.

I'm all for leniency and benefit of the doubt at ND, and you'll be hard pressed to find someone more critical of the administration than me on some subjects. But I don't think it's the administration's responsibility to do anything but operate on their own timeline with respect to someone like Daniels, and honestly I would've been a bit disappointed in them if they gave him another chance.

 

[Irish8248]

I know no one agrees with me, but if true, this is bogus on behalf of the administration.

He shouldn't have to wait until summer to know if he'll be back. If he's not going to get accepted, tell him. Don't put him in a position to get screwed out of the draft or getting back into school. You have ALL of his academic records, all of the stuff he needs to do to graduate. I am not saying they should accept him. I'm saying they should tell him if he's going to get 'in' or not based on knowledge or records that WILL NOT CHANGE between the time he's out and applying again.

No one else seemed confused about their fate .. Time to face the facts, DD was not a strong student and had a lot of favors to keep him eligible for as long as he was

 

[Bluto]

I know no one agrees with me, but if true, this is bogus on behalf of the administration.

He shouldn't have to wait until summer to know if he'll be back. If he's not going to get accepted, tell him. Don't put him in a position to get screwed out of the draft or getting back into school. You have ALL of his academic records, all of the stuff he needs to do to graduate. I am not saying they should accept him. I'm saying they should tell him if he's going to get 'in' or not based on knowledge or records that WILL NOT CHANGE between the time he's out and applying again.

Are you planning on having kids?

 

[koonja]

Disagree. This isn't some first time offender who "deserves" anything from the school... the school took a risk on him in the first place, because he initially wasn't passing admissions. Then he has been on thin ice basically since he's been here. And he got a second chance, which he blew, and then got a third chance, which he blew, so this would be his 4th chance to get his academics straight.

I'm all for leniency and benefit of the doubt at ND, and you'll be hard pressed to find someone more critical of the administration than me on some subjects. But I don't think it's the administration's responsibility to do anything but operate on their own timeline with respect to someone like Daniels, and honestly I would've been a bit disappointed in them if they gave him another chance.

I'm not saying they should give him another chance. I'd 100% support them telling him he's not welcomed back to ND.

But tell him before he misses out on a potential multi-million dollar opportunity in the NFL draft.

 

[NDTampa]

I know no one agrees with me, but if true, this is bogus on behalf of the administration.

He shouldn't have to wait until summer to know if he'll be back. If he's not going to get accepted, tell him. Don't put him in a position to get screwed out of the draft or getting back into school. You have ALL of his academic records, all of the stuff he needs to do to graduate. I am not saying they should accept him. I'm saying they should tell him if he's going to get 'in' or not based on knowledge or records that WILL NOT CHANGE between the time he's out and applying again.

Agree completely. Admissions knows exactly what has happened in the past and they have all of the facts. Tell him yes or no for the benefit of the kid. Very similar to the procrastination of the frozen 5 decision at the beginning of the school year.

IMO Davaris made the right decision.

 

[Irish8248]

I'm not saying they should give him another chance. I'd 100% support them telling him he's not welcomed back to ND.

But tell him before he misses out on a potential multi-million dollar opportunity in the NFL draft.

But they did... KVR no doubts -- DD "umm .. well ... There's a chance you could be accepted for the Summer" I don't think it's hard to read between the lines here. He needed favors, favors that Boykin/ESB/Sanders/Jones were in the process of killing