Interview: All-American 4-Star 2023 Georgia DB Michael Daugherty Lining Up Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
From one coast to the other, college coaches across the country will be busy this summer showing four-star defensive back Michael Daugherty around respective campuses. After the Class of 2023 talent helped Grayson High School to a Georgia state championship and a No. 2 MaxPreps national ranking, teams are now fighting for an opportunity to show why their program is his best collegiate fit. The 6-1, 180-pound, defender stuffed 46 plays, 26 solo, with two tackles for a loss, a pick, one PBU, and jarred the pigskin loose twice. The result of his actions with the Rams turned into All-American honors and 29 offers being dropped.
In an RNG first-look interview, Daugherty covers ground on the growth of his game, offseason workouts, and his very busy summer schedule making the college campus rounds.
Interview
Michael, there is a passion for the game that comes through watching film on you. What do you love about playing football?
What I really love about football is the brotherhood behind it, doing it day in out, and playing the game you grew up playing. It is going to a point, over the next couple of years, that I have dreamed about. That is what I love about playing football.
The Rams were so talented across the board during the 2020 season leading to a state title and a No. 2 ranking nationally by MaxPreps. Besides the athleticism, what made you guys such a great team last fall?
With Covid being prevalent, I think we just wanted it more than other teams. Looking at the film, we were more dominating. We had P5 defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs in our secondary. Our defense was physical and capable, and would hit anyone at any given point.
How has the success from last season ignited the team this spring in workouts?
Coach Carter brings it up every day, we haven’t won anything. He keeps telling us that we are the 2021 team not the 2020 team. We have the potential to do the same things but be even better. We can’t live in last year but have to live in the moment.
You were that versatile player in the secondary able to come up with a sweet pick, jar the ball loose from a receiver on an attempted reception, and come downhill putting a lick on a tailback. What are the attributes to your game that make you such a successful safety?
My football IQ is one thing I pride myself. I spend a lot of time looking at the film Coach Carter puts out. I soak up as much as I can. As Coach (Nick) Saban (Alabama) says, “being accountable on the field makes you a better player and an asset on the field.”
When the 2021 season gets going what roles are you taking on for the Rams?
Our biggest goal this spring, I have worked at corner, nickel, and free safety. Our biggest thing is having everyone in the secondary knowing all the positions. It is the next best player on the field not the next best player at that position. If you know it, Coach Carter will put you there.
What have you been working on with your technique this spring?
I have been working out with trainers focusing on my footwork, techniques in coverage, getting out of breaks, and ball skills.
How have you worked to add more speed and agility to your skillset?
I ran track this spring and I worked out with the Grayson coaches; I appreciate their times. This offseason I have done drills and band resistance training to gain that extra step.
Which events in track did you compete in this year?
The long jump, 100, and 4×1.
Of the three, which event is your top one?
The long jump was my thing.
What was your best jump?
I can’t remember exactly; it was 20 to 21 feet.
Back to football. Are there any camps coming up you may go compete at this summer?
Yes. I plan on going to Clemson on June 3rd, Florida State, and Georgia soon; that is the second or third week in June. The Next Gen, I went to some of those camps. I was planning on doing Rivals but something came up. Those will be the main camps I go to this summer. I want to work with different coaches, see the school life and get an idea for what it is like there. Other trips to different schools will just be a visit.
Which schools are showing interest?
The biggest school is Michigan. I was talking with Coach Maurice before he took the Buffalo job. I went to Kentucky when they offered, their DB coach is now over there at Michigan. Like Najee Harris (Alabama) said, “you can’t burn bridges.”
How many offers do you have?
I have 29.
Wow. Which programs were the last few to offer you?
The last five were Miami, South Carolina, Notre Dame, UCF, and Ole Miss.
Daughtery’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Auburn, Boston College, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Kentucky, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Savannah State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, USC, and Virginia Tech
A couple of minutes ago you mentioned the possibility of taking other visits but not camping there. Which schools might you visit this summer?
My first visit will be in California at USC with Coach Donte (Williams). I am going to Clemson, down to Florida to FSU on the 5th, on the 6th to Georgia, then to Florida and Michigan.
A very busy schedule this summer. Michael, I appreciate your time today and wish you great success with the camps and visits.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Daugherty family; Michael Daugherty