DeAndre McDaniel

SS, FS · Clemson
Rated by some as the top prep defensive back in the entire nation in 2006, not surprisingly it didn't take McDaniel long to see the field at Clemson. The first-year freshman earned First-Team All-ACC accolades from The Sporting News in registering 33 tackles and two interceptions - including one off Matt Ryan - while seeing action in every game. McDaniel continued his rise up the depth chart in 2008, posting 77 tackles and an interception while playing rover (safety/linebacker hybrid) for the Tigers. He enjoyed his best game against Nebraska in the Gator Bowl, registering eight tackles and a forced fumble, which he gathered up and returned 28-yards for a touchdown - the first fumble recovery for a defensive score in Clemson bowl-game history. While McDaniel had certainly flashed in his first two seasons, no one could have predicted his magical 2009 campaign - a 102 tackle, eight interception season that earned him consensus All-American recognition. McDaniel's breakout campaign was especially impressive considering that he was asked to move from rover to a more traditional strong safety position. His eight interceptions ranked second in the entire country. While not the consistent threat as a senior he was a year earlier, McDaniel remained one of the ACC's most productive defenders. Through the regular season, in fact, he led Clemson with 73 tackles and another four interceptions. McDaniel lacks the fluidity to cover the entire field. His instincts, reliable open-field tackling and impressive ball skills make him one of the few senior safeties in this draft worthy of top 100 consideration.