D.J. Daniel picks off a pass, 2023 USFL New Jersey Generals (USFL Twitter)
In 2022, defensive back D.J. Daniel joined the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. He played in all 10 regular-season games for the New Jersey Generals in 2023, recording 30 tackles and three interceptions. On January 5, 2024, the Memphis Showboats selected Daniel in Phase 2 of the UFL dispersal draft.
Daniel started his collegiate career at Georgia Military College before transferring to the University of Georgia. He recorded 51 total tackles and nine passes defended in 21 games for the Bulldogs before going undrafted in the 2021 NFL draft.
He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars after the conclusion of the selection process, but he was cut during the preseason. He then signed with the New England Patriots practice squad in January 2022 before going to the USFL.
After a stellar 2023 season with the Generals, the Miami Dolphins worked out Daniel. Although he wasn’t offered a contract, there was interest in his services. For now, Daniel is determined to make a mark in the 2024 UFL, starting with the Showboats training camp.
“I’ll say my number one motivation is my level of competition,” Daniel said. “I’m keeping my level of competition at its peak, at its highest, and coming out and competing gritty, gritty each and every day.”
Daniel has come to appreciate the Showboats coaching staff for helping the squad develop, and has lauded Showboats defensive coordinator Carnell Lake as a key to his progress, being an expert who can look at the little things and give perspective on the fundamentals.
“Coach Lake is a technician who not just gives me the big play, but he sees every little perspective to cover,” Daniel said.
One thing Daniel notices about this year’s training camp is the level of competition.
“This camp is definitely different than other camps on the competition level,” Daniel explained. As for running defensive plays against the highly skilled offensive players he is facing, “It’s hard to get a separation because everybody is so brilliant. We have to keep pushing each other for independence.”
From Daniel’s point of view it is clear that the level of play in this year’s UFL may be higher than anything that may have been seen in either the USFL or XFL.
This should be beneficial for a young player like D.J. Daniel. If he is able to put together another standout season as he did in 2023, NFL teams like the Miami Dolphins may be knocking on his door once more.
