Jason Daniel University Year: Senior Sport: Football Position: Lb-Rb

It’s impossible to take a half-dozen big linemen and make them athletes of the week, but that would be Jason Daniel’s choice.

The University running back/ linebacker rushed for 134 yards on 11 carries and sparked a defense that shut down Ferris for three quarters in a 38-27 win in the Titans’ league opener.

“Give credit to both the offensive and defensive line,” the 6-foot, 200-pound senior said. “The offensive line opened holes to run through and the defensive line kept the offensive linemen off me so I could make plays.”

His coach, Mike Ganey, was quick to credit his senior co-captain.

“He does it all. He’s a complete player for us,” Ganey said. “More important, he’s an excellent team leader. He makes the other players accountable.”

That’s the difference between this team and the Titans teams that struggled in recent years.

“It’s our leadership and unity as a team. We just really want it a lot more than we did the last couple of years,” Daniel said. “We thought this year would be the year to go out and win games.”

They certainly don’t have time to savor that first win; the Titans have a home game Friday against rival and league-favorite Central Valley.

“I just want to look to CV,” Daniel said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to do it again.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo