Interview: 2022 QB Joey Daniels Drops Dimes Against 6A Pittsburgh Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When you want to talk about an under the radar guy dropping dimes, Joey Daniels is the man. Taking on 6A Pennsylvania teams out of Pittsburgh, Daniels has seemingly mastered the art of anticipating his receivers’ actions along with where the defense will be lacing one beautiful pass after another into a small window. In Mt. Lebanon High School’s seven-game 2020 season, the 5-10, 180-pound, field general picked them apart for 1,053 yards and 14 touchdowns completing 70.3 percent of his passes. The dart tossing of the pigskin is bringing collegiate interest from Ivy League programs like Penn, Columba, Harvard, and Dartmouth along with squads like New Hampshire, Bowling Green, and TCU as part of the 2022 recruiting class.
In an RNG first-look exclusive, Daniels goes into detail on his skills and offseason workouts.
Interview
Joey, when they talk about “dropping dimes” they might want to start saying “you Joey Daniels’ that.” So much of your game footage shows that anticipation for your receiver and where the defender will be. The question, how have you developed that skill over time?
I feel like even as a kid I have thrown an accurate football. I have always been able to put it where it needs to be. As I have worked on my mechanics, I have started to throw even more accurate passes. Having a great connection with my receivers has been very important; I know where they will be when I throw the ball.
What offensive set were the Blue Devils running in 2020?
We run a Spread offense. We want to get the ball out in space, but we can do a little bit of everything. It all depends on the personnel on the field.
Which routes were your guys running?
A lot of slants, digs, comebacks, not too many go balls, some seams, screens; a little bit of everything. We can go with any route, but they do not always show up in games.
What were some of the coverages you were seeing?
We went up against a lot of tough teams. A lot of defenses were bringing pressure. I saw a lot of Cover 3; they had a lot of big guys on defense. They were not scared to bring pressure against me.
Throughout the 2020 season, how did you take your game to that next level?
For sure on the mental side of the game. That is very important as a QB especially playing 6A ball. My new offensive coordinator really helped me with that. He helped me on how to slow myself down, knowing what is going on, and knowing what the defense and offense is doing.
What have you been honing in on this offseason with your mechanics?
I have been doing a lot of footwork and trying to get bigger, faster, and stronger. With my throwing mechanics, I am trying to master the things that I have been taught so by the time the season comes again I will be ready to go.
How are you taking your understanding of the game to another level?
For a better understanding of offense, I am spending more time with my coaches so I know that I know what I am doing. For better understanding defenses, I am watching film breaking down defenses and looking for tendencies to bring my game to the next level.
Have you been to any camps yet this offseason or are there any coming up you may attend?
No camps yet. I was invited to Elite 11 in Philadelphia and there are some school camp invites I have received.
Has 7v7 picked up in Pittsburgh yet?
No. Tryouts are just starting. In the next month or so, after the weather has turned it will get going.
Are you playing any other varsity sports for the Blue Devils?
Yes, I play baseball.
Which positions?
I am mainly in the outfield. I feel like I can play any position in outfield, but centerfield is my primary position.
Again, with the weather, when does the season get going?
In about a month. Tryouts are soon. I will have to start transitioning a little bit soon.
Joey, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you a successful 7v7, football camp, and baseball season until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Marliee Kline/ Daniels family; Joey Daniels
Photo credit: The Almanac/ Daniels family; Joey Daniels