McDaniel had a productive year on the ground, rushing for 739 yards and 8 touchdowns, which were both good for second-best on the team. He also added 23 yards receiving on the year. On the defensive side of the ball, he recorded 46 tackles with 3 tackles for loss and one sack. In coverage, he recorded an interception and also caused a fumble on the season. At 6’0 195, he has just the right size to generate some looks as the college level.

McDaniel is ranked as a linebacker in our 2027 rankings, but we may need to flip him to running back, especially if he has a big senior season. He’s used as a spell back, and that’s where he thrives, operating as an explosive athlete who can get to full speed in a hurry. Because of the role he plays, McDaniel’s job is to maximize yardage, to get down the field in a hurry, rather than worrying about trying to move too much laterally or dance in the hole.

A two-way player, McDaniel actually had his biggest impact on the offensive side of the ball, with over 750 scrimmage yards as a running back. But we think his highest upside is on the defensive side of the ball, where he racked up 46 tackles. He’s an athletic defender who plays a hybrid safety/linebacker role, thriving in pass coverage. We expect him to put on a bit more weight and wouldn’t be surprised if he played as an every-down linebacker as a senior.

Preston McDaniel put together a gritty, high-volume performance in Round 3, showing his value as a do-it-all playmaker. The junior totaled 29 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown, serving as the steady engine that kept his offense alive throughout a physical playoff matchup. McDaniel ran with toughness, durability, and consistent effort, fighting for extra yards and controlling the tempo with his workload. In a high-pressure game, he proved he could handle the spotlight and deliver when his team needed him most.