Escanaba Native, NMU Star Daniels Gets His Shot
TAMPA, Fla.---Escanaba High School graduate and Northern Michigan University star lineman Jace Daniels is making his move toward a possible roster spot with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Daniels practiced with the first team on Monday, after spending last season on and off the practice squad. Daniels' hard work has impressed Tampa's new coach, Lovie Smith. "For Jace, he's got himself into position," Smith said at a news conference on Sunday. "In order to eventually get to the first team, you have to play with the first team. You know, to come to the top of the list with the starting rotation, I should say." Daniels is a 2009 Escanaba High School graduate and was an All-GLIAC lineman for Northern Michigan University in his final season in 2012. He was signed as a rookie free agent by the Bucs in April of 2013, but was cut from the practice squad twice as Tampa had injury problems at other positions. At one point last summer, Daniels was roofing a house in Marquette when he was called to return to Tampa and be a part of the Bucs' practice squad yet again. But with a new coaching staff in Tampa Bay, Daniels has had the chance to impress. "You have to do some good things in practice," Smith said. "Jace has been doing that throughout. Whether it be at center or at guard." The Buccaneers face the Miami Dolphins in their second pre-season game Saturday. CLICK HERE to read a Sunday story about Daniels from the Bucs PR staff. |