Former JUCO Defensive Back Commits to West Virginia Mountaineers, Shares Powerful Reason Behind His Decision…

Former JUCO Defensive Back Commits to West Virginia Mountaineers, Shares Powerful Reason Behind His Decision…

 

Morgantown, WV — West Virginia football added a major piece to its secondary this weekend as former junior college standout Marcus “MJ” Daniels announced his commitment to the Mountaineers — and he didn’t just bring talent with him, he brought heart.

 

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound defensive back out of Hutchinson Community College in Kansas made his pledge official on Saturday, choosing WVU over offers from multiple Power Five programs, including Kansas State, Mississippi State, and Louisville. But what really caught attention wasn’t just the commitment — it was why he chose West Virginia.

 

“I’m not just coming to play football,” Daniels said in a video posted to social media. “I’m coming to represent where I came from, to fight for everything I’ve worked for, and to be part of a place that believes in me like I believe in myself. West Virginia gave me that feeling. They didn’t just want a player — they saw the person.”

 

Daniels, who took the JUCO route after being lightly recruited out of high school, became one of the top junior college defensive backs in the nation over the past two seasons. Known for his physicality, range, and leadership, he recorded 6 interceptions and 15 pass breakups during his time with the Blue Dragons and helped lead them to back-to-back national title game appearances.

 

WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez, who was recently re-hired to lead the Mountaineers, has made it a priority to shore up the secondary through experienced transfers and high-motor prospects. Daniels fits that mold perfectly — gritty, hungry, and eager to prove himself.

 

“What stood out with Marcus was his maturity and his mindset,” Rodriguez said. “He’s a grinder. He’s been through adversity and he’s come out better for it. He’s the kind of player and person we want in our locker room.”

 

Daniels cited conversations with the WVU coaching staff, especially cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae, as pivotal in his decision. He said their honesty and energy made it clear he wasn’t just another name on a list.

 

“They told me the truth — what I need to work on, where I can grow, and how they’ll help me do it. No sugarcoating,” Daniels said. “That’s real coaching. That’s real love.”

 

With eligibility remaining and plans to enroll this summer, Daniels is expected to compete immediately for a starting role in a WVU secondary that has struggled with depth and consistency in recent seasons. His versatility to play both corner and safety gives the Mountaineers added flexibility heading into the 2025 season.

 

For Daniels, though, it’s about more than playing time.

 

“I’m here to finish what I started — not just my career, but my story,” he said. “This is bigger than football. This is about proving people right, not just proving people wrong.”