Duke Football: Daniel Jones makes 2018 Maxwell Award Watch List
Duke Blue Devils’ quarterback Daniel Jones makes the 2018 Maxwell Award Watch List.
While the Duke Blue Devils’ had two players named to the 2018 Bednarik Award Watch List, they had quarterback Daniel Jones named to the 2018 Maxwell Award Watch List. Both awards are given by the Maxwell Football Club with the best offensive player receiving the Maxwell Award and the best defensive player awarded the Bednarik Award.
Daniel Jones will be entering his third season as starting quarterback for the Blue Devils after starting 12 games in 2016 and 13 games in 2017. Jones actually took a step backwards last year and saw his completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns and interceptions head in the wrong direction.
However, Jones was able to end last season on a high note with a strong performance in the Quick Lane Bowl with 252 passing yards, two passing touchdowns. He also had 86 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Entering this season, Jones is considered a bit of a sleeper among quarterbacks who could rise in this upcoming NFL Draft. SI.com’s Albert Breer recently broke down the quarterback prospects for the 2019 NFL Draft and wrote about Jones:
"Daniel Jones, redshirt junior, Duke. NFL people seem genuinely intrigued by this 6′ 5″, two-time team captain who, via coach David Cutcliffe, has had pro-style training and access to the Mannings. “He operates in the pocket and moves just like the Mannings,” said the NFC exec. “His feet are always moving. He’s talented, it’s just consistency and decision-making with him, he needs to clean up the turnovers. But it would not shock me if he winds up in first-round consideration. I saw him play Northwestern his freshman year, you could see he could make every throw. He’s a big, strong kid.”"
Jones appears to have all the physical tools and if everything comes together, he could be a finalist for the Maxwell Award this year.
Next: Duke Football: Two players make Bednarik Award Watch List
*Stats courtesy of www.sports-reference.com unless otherwise noted.