JT Daniels' Transfer From USC Adds Another Log to Clay Helton Dumpster Fire
By Michael Luciano
Clay Helton's rough time as the head football coach at USC just took another turn, as the biggest fish the struggling recruiter has managed to catch has now taken a big step toward leaving the program entirely.
Former 5-star quarterback prospect JT Daniels has entered his name in tothe NCAA transfer portal after getting injured last year and losing his starting quarterback job to freshman Kedon Slovis.
USC QB JT Daniels has put his name in the transfer portal.
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) April 16, 2020
Here is @USCCoachHelton’s statement: pic.twitter.com/yCl2hnK6Kj
Daniels was a highly-coveted recruit from powerhouse Mater Dei High School in nearby Santa Ana, and was penciled in to be the next great Trojans signal-caller. After an up-and-down freshman campaign in which he threw 14 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, Daniels tore his ACL in last year's season opener against Fresno State and missed the remainder of the season.
After Slovis threw for 3,502 yards and 30 touchdowns compared to just nine interceptions, while completing 72% of his passes, Daniels wouldn't be wrong to assume his best chance at starting will not happen in Los Angeles.
USC hasn't totally given up hope with regards to Daniels returning, however, as they're banking on his return if he is not granted immediate eligibility at his chosen destination.
I’m told that JT Daniels’ decision to enter the transfer portal follows the increased talk about a possible one-time transfer exception.
— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) April 16, 2020
But if he is not immediately eligible, I’m told USC is optimistic that he could return.
Just two years after being hailed as a potential savior of a program that is treading water right now, Daniels is looking elsewhere for his next opportunity to get more game time.
Meanwhile, Helton continues to struggle at the helm of the Trojans. Same as it ever was.