West Virginia knew what it got in transfer JT Daniels: a quarterback who went undefeated as a starter at Georgia – and has sat out more games than he’s played in throughout his career.
Daniels understands the way to helping the Mountaineers become relevant in the Big 12 this season is by staying healthy for a full season.
“It’s an old saying, but availability is your best ability,” Daniels said. “And I’ve missed 28-30 games over the last three years from injury.”
Coach Neal Brown named Daniels the starter for the season opener at No. 17 Pittsburgh, a move that was anticipated. The renewal of the Backyard Brawl for the first time in 11 years will feature Daniels against his former backup at Southern Cal, Kedon Slovis, who took over after Daniels was injured in the 2019 season opener.
Their offensive coordinator at the time was Graham Harrell, who was hired at West Virginia in January. Daniels, who played just nine games over the past two seasons at Georgia, followed Harrell to West Virginia in April.
“I know him. I trust him,” Daniels said.
Without the benefit of playing spring ball, Daniels has had to do some quick learning, although he’s familiar with Harrell’s Air Raid style. Daniels’ time spent at Georgia actually helped his growth, Harrell said.
“He’s a really intelligent kid that can handle a lot of information,” Harrell said. “At the quarterback position, you can overload them with information. He can process information quickly.”
Daniels was the second true freshman to start a season opener at Southern Cal in 2018. He started 11 games, missing one in midseason with a concussion. In 2019, when Harrell was hired to run the Trojan offense, Daniels suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opener.
Daniels missed much of 2020 at Georgia while awaiting medical clearance on his knee. Last year he missed several games with two upper-body muscle strains, then was relegated to a backup role as Stetson Bennett led the Bulldogs to the national championship.
Coach Brown describes Daniels, who went 7-0 as a starter at Georgia, as “weathered.”
“He’s really even-keeled,” Brown said. “He doesn’t get too high or two low, not rattled easily. He’s been successful. He’s been on some good teams, too. The fact that he’s played in big games, I think, helps too. He arrived here as a really mature player and one that is really hungry.”
This is the 10th straight season that West Virginia has used a transfer as…