Daniel, a 6-2, 282 defensive lineman, comes to Murray after appearing in all 27 games for the Tigers over the 2013 and 2014 seasons, including the 2013 BCS National Championship game against Florida State. He was dismissed from Auburn in May following an April arrest for theft and burglary.
"I believe in second chances and last chances," said Stewart. "I have told Elijah that we are willing to give him this opportunity, because I believe, large or small, everyone makes mistakes and most people are deserving of a second chance. But I also made it clear to him, that this is his last chance and that any further incidents like the one at Auburn would be met with an immediate dismissal from the team."
"These are unique situations, but ones that present themselves to FCS programs like ours," said Director of Athletics Allen Ward. "Each situation is different and requires that we take our time and study the matter very carefully. That's what we did here and have concluded Elijah is a young man that can learn from his mistakes, make amends, and earn the privilege to be part of our program. Yes, Elijah will make a difference on the field for us, but we fully understand the expectations placed upon us by Dr. Davies and the type of student-athlete he expects us to bring to Murray State. It's now incumbent upon us to provide Elijah with a quality education and the structure and leadership he needs to make a difference in his life."
"I am beyond grateful to Coach Stewart, Mr. Ward and President Davies for giving me another opportunity to play this game I love and receive an education," said Daniel. "While I have learned from my mistakes and vow not to repeat them, I have further learned the value of not putting myself into situations that are beneath the kind of person I strive to be."
In addition to appearing in all 27 for the Tigers in his two seasons on The Plains, he also made two starts last season against rival Alabama and in the Outback Bowl versus Wisconsin. The Avon, Indiana native made nine total tackles with four solo in 2013, then followed that with 15 total in 2014 with eight solo. Over two seasons he made 6.5 tackles-for-loss for a total of 27 yards and 3.5 sacks for 22 yards of loss. In 2013, Daniel ranked second on the team in quarterback hurries with 11 and then led the team in 2014 with 17.
Daniel was rated as a four-star prospect out of high school by all three major recruiting services and played in the prestigious 2013 Under Armour All-American game as a senior. He appeared in the Top 100 overall player rankings of several recruiting services including Scout.com and ESPN and was rated as the No. 2 recruit in the state of Indiana by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com.
