DeAndre McDaniel

Rated by some as the top prep defensive back in the entire nation in 2006, not surprisingly it didn't take McDaniel long to see the field at Clemson. The first-year freshman earned First-Team All-ACC accolades from The Sporting News in registering 33 tackles and two interceptions - including one off Matt Ryan - while seeing action in every game. McDaniel continued his rise up the depth chart in 2008, posting 77 tackles and an interception while playing rover (safety/linebacker hybrid) for the Tigers. He enjoyed his best game against Nebraska in the Gator Bowl, registering eight tackles and a forced fumble, which he gathered up and returned 28-yards for a touchdown - the first fumble recovery for a defensive score in Clemson bowl-game history. While McDaniel had certainly flashed in his first two seasons, no one could have predicted his magical 2009 campaign - a 102 tackle, eight interception season that earned him consensus All-American recognition. McDaniel's breakout campaign was especially impressive considering that he was asked to move from rover to a more traditional strong safety position. His eight interceptions ranked second in the entire country. While not the consistent threat as a senior he was a year earlier, McDaniel remained one of the ACC's most productive defenders. Through the regular season, in fact, he led Clemson with 73 tackles and another four interceptions. McDaniel lacks the fluidity to cover the entire field. His instincts, reliable open-field tackling and impressive ball skills make him one of the few senior safeties in this draft worthy of top 100 consideration.

run support

His experience as a linebacker/safety hybrid shows in his comfort near the line of scrimmage. Shows very good vision to locate the football when in traffic, as well as the balance and agility to keep his feet through the trash. Good speed and pursuit angles when shooting gaps downhill or in pursuit. Plays good team defense - is willing to break outside to the sideline to keep contain, funneling the ball-carrier back towards the rest of the defense.

man coverage

Asked to drop down and cover the slot receiver, at times, in this defense. Quick feet, good balance and surprising acceleration for the safety position. Doesn't change directions fluidly due to stiff hips, but accelerates quickly out his breaks and has good straight-line speed. As a result he is able to generate a late burst to close as the ball is in flight. Quick, active hands to bat away or intercept the pass.

tackling

A reliable open-field tackler, who demonstrates shows some creativity in how he gets the ball-carrier to the ground. Likes to supply the big hit to intimidate his opponent. Willing to drop his shoulder and explode into the ball-carrier, creating some big hits. Generates some explosiveness as a wrap-up hitter, as well, opting to throw the ball-carrier to the ground, at times. Shows no hesitancy in taking on bigger ball-carriers.

zone coverage

A bit high in his backpedal, but generates good depth on his initial drop. Good lateral agility and gains speed quickly when changing directions. Does a nice job of recognizing routes and drifting laterally to remain in between the quarterback and his assignment. Reacts quickly to the thrown pass. Looks to help out his teammates.

intangibles

Had a rough childhood and had to do some real maturing while at Clemson... Was raised by his grandmother and godmother... Has little contact with his biological parents. His mother, reportedly, has been arrested over 50 times... Was charged with high and aggravated assault on his former girlfriend in 2008. Accepted a pre-trial intervention and community service... Has since matured into an Honor Roll student and team captain. In 2009, he won a Vickery Hall award for academic improvement, earning a 3.25 GPA in the first semester and 3.0 in the second, and was named to the 2009-10 ACC Academic Honor Roll. Majoring in Sociology and will graduate in the winter of 2010... Routinely spends extra hours on his own in the film-room during the season.

closing/recovery

Good instincts, speed and a late burst as the ball is in flight make this one of his stronger areas. Locates the ball quickly and will abandon his prior assignment quickly once he sees the ball is headed elsewhere. Puts himself in position to be the fortunate teammate for a fumble recovery or tipped interception. High-points the ball, showing an impressive vertical jump and good timing.

read & react

Very good diagnosis skills. Is allowed some flexibility to roam in this defense and shows very good diagnosis skills. Flies up to support the run, showing the ability to shoot the gap and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Can be initially fooled by play-action, but shows very good brakes, as well as the agility to turn and quick acceleration to recover quickly. Shows very good route-recognition due to his time in the film-room. Is seemingly always around the ball.

National prep school top-50 player by Rivals.com; he was listed as the #4 player in the nation

#31 safety in the nation by Scout.com

#1 prep school defensive back in the nation by Rivals.com

received all-region honors by PrepStar

#10 player in Florida by Rivals.com as a senior

signed with Clemson in 2006 but played in the fall of 2006 at Hargrave (VA) Military Academy for Head Coach Robert Prunty

had 48 tackles, four interceptions, and four sacks in 2006

played for Shelton Crews at Amos P. Godby High School

had 53 tackles and eight interceptions, returning three for scores, as a junior

had 27 catches for 656 yards and six scores as a junior wideout

started on both sides of the ball and had three interceptions as a senior

member of PrepStar's Dream Team Top 100 as a senior

Southern Hot 100 member by Scout.com as a senior

#72 player in the nation by CollegeFootballNews.com as a senior. #90 player in the nation by Rivals.com

national ESPN.com top-150 player

#13 defensive back in the nation by PrepStar

member of Rivals 250

#8 safety in the nation by CollegeFootballNews.com

#16 safety in the nation by Scout.com

caught a touchdown pass, blocked a field goal, and intercepted a pass in the same game against Leon County High School during his senior season

starter on the basketball team and averaged 20 points per game

recruited by Dabo Swinney

chose Clemson over Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, and Louisville.

Born Nov. 26, 1987

majoring in sociology.