Chase DanielChase Daniel

Media Day Chat: Chase Daniel

 Chase Daniel

Media Day Transcript: Chase Daniel

Junior QB Chase Daniel stopped by to take your questions Monday afternoon.

A top candidate for the Heisman Trophy, Daniel has led the Tiger football team to its best season in nearly 50 years. He is also been named a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien award as the nation's top quarterback, and the Maxwell Award for the nation's best player. Daniel is also one of 15 "Players to Watch" for the Walter Camp Award.

Already Mizzou's all-time leader in touchdown passes (59), Daniel also holds most of the Tigers' season passing records, including passing yards (3,590 and counting this season), completions (309 and counting), and completion percentage (69.3%).
Moderator: (3:49 PM) Folks -- Coach Pinkel is still in the middle of his weekly press conference with the media, so keep those questions coming. I can tell you that there are going to be far too many questions for Chase to answer all of them, but keep them coming and we'll get the best of the bunch to him!
Moderator: (3:51 PM) I should add that we may be a bit delayed due to the fact that an ESPN production crew, led by reporter Steve Cyphers, is on-site and will be speaking to several players, including Chase.
Moderator: OK, folks, Chase is here and ready to take your questions.
Cory (Columbia): Chase, how do you compare the tigers success, as well as your own, this year to that of your team and individual performance when you played for perrenial powerhouse, Southlake Carrol, TX?
Chase Daniel: It's getting a lot more similar in terms of the record, and the scores we're putting up, and it should be that way.
Jim - Louisville, Nebraska: As a life long MIZZOURAH fan (who lives in Nebraska), I am thrilled that the coaches, you and your team have handled the pressure and excitement this season. And I congratulate you for your work. My question: Will you please, please do whatever it takes to destroy the Jayhawks mystical dreams of a Big 12 North title and a shot at the National Championship? Will you whip them, beat them, make them cry like the little school girls that they are??? I mean, will you play well with a level head and enjoy the journey while you lead your team to a victory over KU?
Chase Daniel: That's the key -- just playing with a level head, and enjoying the journey. We have a tough task at hand, but we're excited at the opportunity.
Hilton Head, SC: Does this Kansas defense have any weaknesses that your offense can exploit? 1-QB option running plays? 2-More 2-Tight End Sets? 3-Trick Plays? You guys are going to have to show them soemthing they haven't seen yet from you, right?
Chase Daniel: We're just going to keep doing what we've been doing on offense, and that's converting third downs, taking care of the ball, and everything else will take care of itself.
Jay (Kansas City): Your last touchdown pass resembled something that Tebow would do. Did you do that to show the nation you should clearly be the favorite to win the Heisman?
Chase Daniel: That's not for me to decide. I'm just going to keep playing at a consistently high level.
Chase Daniel: I'm just going to try.
Shelby (osborn): Do you have any intentions of going to NFL next year??
Chase Daniel: It's a big decision that I'll worry about next year.
Patrick (Jefferson City): Having not grown up in Missouri, how deep is you hatred of the Jayhawks? Hopefully you can silence that stupid, "Rock, Chalk, Chicken Hawk" chant from Arrowhead!!! Go Tigers!
Chase Daniel: It's a bitter rivalry that our fans have shown to hate over the years, and hopefully we can come out with a win.
Chris in Columbia: since there are no classes. Is the team preparing more? or are you following the regular schedule?
Chase Daniel: It's a little bit of both. Film study will get cranked up, and we won't have to worry about classes or homework or papers.
Dustin (St. Louis): Chase, What was the biggest thing that made you want to come to Missouri over any other school. Also, how awesome is Marty Rucker to have.
Chase Daniel: The family atmosphere was definitely a big draw for me. T-Ruck is one of the best TE's in the nation; I'm just glad he's on my team.
Mark(Kansas City): The forecast is much colder here by Saturday, porbably high the30s during the game. Any difference in preparation or approach to the game as a result?
Chase Daniel: Not at all. I personally like cold-weather games.
Karen Madison, WI: Chase, it seems like this team is more focused and doesn't get flustered. How are you keeping that focus going into Saturday with all the hype?
Chase Daniel: We're just keeping practice fun, and really just enjoying the moment and staying the course, and not getting too far ahead of ourselves.
Tony (Columbia): What is similar and what is different about the spread offense as MU and KU run it?
Chase Daniel: I'm not on defense, so I can't say as much about KU's version, but from what I've seen we run a lot more of an empty backfield.
jeff (St Louis): Chase-black or gold on saturday, which do you want to see the Mizzou crowd wearing?
Chase Daniel: It doesn't matter the color, as long as you're there early and obnoxiously loud.
STL: If for whatever reason you don't make the NFL, would you possibly follow the path of Major Applewhite and be a coach at MIZZOU? I know the "Blaines" sure wouldn't mind! MIZZOU RAH MY NINJA!
Chase Daniel: If I have a chance to coach here at Mizzou, I'd be honored.
Don (Longmont CO ): Chase, What's been the biggest change in your development from last year to this year regarding reading defenses? GO TIGERS !!
Chase Daniel: I'm a lot more mature as a player, and don't get as mad or upset at things I can't control. Also, film study has played a big role.
Ben (Kansas City): What is your favorite play to run on Saturdays?
Chase Daniel: Personally, I love throwing the ball, whether it be down the field or dump-routes to our running backs. My favorite play is the play that gets us in the end zone.
Moderator: OK, folks, thanks for the questions, your patience, and your support this week. Chase has to get to the rest of his interviews. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and we'll see you at Arrowhead on Saturday!