2018 DB Robert Daniel talks early college interest

He said he never thought he would be getting this much early attention in the recruiting process, but Oak Park (Mich.) sophomore cornerback, Robert Daniel, is slowly becoming a household name around the state in his class. the 5-11, 167-pounder already has two offers, with growing interest from a number of other big time colleges.

"I didn't think I would be getting this much early attention in recruiting," Daniel said. "But Coach Carter (Greg) gave me a chance to start on varsity as a no-name freshman, and I didn't want to let him down, or my teammates.

"It's a blessing, and I'm very thankful. I have to stay humble, and keep working hard in the classroom, and on the field."

On the field, Daniel had a very good season in 2014 for a freshman starter, intercepting one pass, forcing a fumble, racking up 55 tackles, to go along with seven pass deflections. He'll no longer be that no-name player for Oak Park High this season, and will expect a lot out of himself in 2015.

"My freshman season was good, but I think I could have done better," said Daniel. "The game is a lot faster than youth football, so I just have to keep working hard, and let the game come to me. For my sophomore campaign, I have to be a leader on and off the field, and I have to make more plays."

Off the field, Daniel has also been killing it in the recruiting game, holding offers from Akron and Miami (Ohio), which is pretty impressive for a player his age.

"I knew it was coming, but it still was awesome," Daniel said on getting his first two offers as a freshman. "I think they (Akron and Miami) are great schools, with a lot of good history, and I want to hear more from them."

Along with the two offers he already has, Daniel has also been hearing from Ohio State, Tennessee, Michigan State, and Cincinnati, among others. And while he is appreciative of all the attention that he has been getting, there is a good side and downside to players his age, and younger, being recruited so young.

"Yes I feel like it's a bas thing, because some kids will get lazy," Daniel said on if offering players at a young age is bad for the game. "Then again, no, because some kids like myself, it just pushes us to go harder. It pushes me to perfection."

They saying goes, "The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree", and you can tell that Daniel is being taught by someone who has been there before, and has his best interests in mind. Oak Park head coach, Greg Carter, is a legend in Michigan for what he accomplished at the former Detroit DePorres, winning four state titles himself, and eight other as an assistant there. So knowing the game, and helping young players like Daniel, reach their potential is nothing knew to him, and his assistant, Daryl Graham, whom Daniels spoke highly of as well.

"They have been a big influence of me," said Daniel. "DG (Graham) has made me stronger physically and mentally. DG has been a great mentor, and is going to push you to perfection.

"Coach Carter has believed in me from the first day I walked in the weight-room, and I'm thankful for having a legendary coach that is going to prepare me for my next chapter in my life, on and off the field."