KU's Daniels felt like his 'child self' in first day of 2024 fall camp

LAWRENCE (KSNT) - After injuries limited his time on the field in 2022 and 2023, KU quarterback Jalon Daniels is beyond thrilled to be back practicing with his teammates.

The senior QB had reps during KU's spring practices, but he says he treated night before the first day of fall camp on Tuesday 'like Christmas Eve.'

"I was out there playing ball again," Daniels said. "Feels like my child self out there playing ball again honestly just being able to play ball again. Happy to be back with the guys, happy to make some plays, happy to see some young guys making plays out there as well."

Head coach Lance Leipold was pleased with Daniels outing at camp on Tuesday, saying it was the most 11-on-11 action he's had in quite some time.

"To have a guy like Jalon, and really what he's gone through, can now sometimes be a benefit for us in an odd way," Leipold said. "And that is, he's so happy to be out there, that he embraces every snap he gets, and that can be contagious to a football team."

Daniels has not played in a game since Sep. 23, 2023, when BYU visited Lawrence. Now that he's back feeling healthy, in what could be his final year of college football, he's savoring every moment.

"When you're away from the game and it's something that you've done your whole entire life, when you get the chance to be back, you cherish every single moment," Daniels said. "Conditioning's hard, but at one point during the season, I wished I was able to do conditioning. So, I'm just taking that in and being able to be happy where I'm at."

KU beings its season on Aug. 29 against Lindenwood at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, as its new stadium remains under construction.