Interview: All is Coming Together for Florida 2022 DB Prospect Daniel Jean
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The beginnings of something special was happening throughout the 2019 season for defensive back Daniel Jean. Working against 7A Florida offenses, Jean (5-10, 170) was ever-present in Hialeah High School’s secondary. If he was playing safety hammering running backs coming down the alley, knocking away passes as a corner, or lining up at nickel taking on a speedy slot receiver, Jean was a defensive stronghold the Thoroughbreds’ coaches could rely upon. Game footage on Jean shows the instincts and understanding of how offenses work is off the charts giving the staff another coach on the field. Mixing with his football IQ is the maturation of his athleticism, speed, and strength making the Class of 2022 Florida talent a rising prospect along the recruiting trail.
In an RNG first-look, Jean sat down for an in-depth interview talking about his sophomore season with a look ahead to his goals for his junior campaign.
Interview
Daniel, for our interview I went back to watch film on you from your sophomore season. There is a great trait that stands out to your game, your football IQ. You were able to dissect plays and be in the spot needed to make an impact. Where does that understanding of offenses come from for you?
Growing up I was watching a lot of film; I remember the plays. Sometimes it is a natural instinct and playing some offense helps too. Playing offense, you know what a receiver thinks and will do. Watching a lot of film helps being able to anticipate plays.
Throughout your sophomore season, how did you improve your overall game on defense?
Definitely my size helped; I gained 15 pounds. I tried to get into plays more with the added size. I was leading the team in tackles at one point in the season because I was in on more plays. Playing strong safety, I did not get as many picks but I was in on more tackles. I dropped a pick last year and I got one. I had a lot of pass deflections; I was getting closer to the ball on each play.
What were some of the coverages the Thoroughbreds were executing and where all did you line up within the scheme?
My coach, he could use me anywhere. I adapt easily in the secondary. We ran a 4-4, a lot of Cover 3 and man, and we did some Cover 2. I was at safety over the top and in Cover 3 I was on the strongside. Sometimes if there was a lot of open space, he would use me as a cover guy against the slot.
Getting those snaps in on offense, how did your game improve on that side of the ball?
From a defensive standpoint, I would know what a corner or safety was thinking. I would use my speed, footwork, and dip my shoulder to get open. I had two catches with one touchdown, 12 yards on each catch. That worked out well.
Where all are you lining up on the field in 2020?
On defense, I am playing strong safety again. I want to be used more as a defensive back at corner or free safety. I am working more on my footwork to play free safety this year. I am not sure about offense this season, but I want to be used as much as possible. Hopefully I will get that chance.
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with the technical parts of your game on defense?
I’ve been working at the line of scrimmage, lining up on the receiver and knowing their play style. I am getting a lot of reps against receivers at the line. Other areas I have been working on is finding the ball and being more consistent. I am working on getting the pick instead of getting the deflection.
The future is unknown for you on offense, but what have you been working on with that part of your game just in case?
My footwork and speed so my coaches can use me more.
Last question for you. What goals have you set for your junior season?
This season I want more interceptions, more tackles, and I want to help my team by making as many plays as possible. I want to show up on important downs and help on special teams. I want to be a playmaker as much as possible to help my team win.
Daniel, thanks for your time today and keep up the hard work this summer.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Hudl/Jean family; No. 15 Daniel Jean