Daniel Anderson, whose junior season was cut short due to injury, is prepared to take centre stage for his Bryant, Arkansas programme. The soon-to-be senior discussed his busy summer schedule with Irish Illustrated.
When Daniel Anderson committed to Notre Dame back in September, there was an air of mystery surrounding the Bryant, Arkansas prospect.
Bryant has emerged as the premiere powerhouse program in the state over the last decade, claiming their first 7A State Title in 2018, the beginning of a historic run that saw the Hornets become the first team to claim the state championship title in five consecutive years.
In 2023, Bryant was looking to extend that record to six consecutive titles, led by their three-headed monster in the backfield comprised of Anderson, senior back James Martin, and junior quarterback Jordan Walker.
Those plans derailed quickly, as a foot injury hampered Anderson early and limited his season to five total games in 2023. His final contributions on the year ended up at 29 carries, 164 yards rushing, and one rushing touchdown. He added two catches for 14 yards.
Anderson’s injury-shortened junior season ultimately felt like a case of arrested development, providing him little opportunity to build on his sophomore campaign. In 2022, Anderson had been a major contributor to a 12-0 state championship roster, adding 74 carries, 856 rushing yards, and 11 scores on the ground. He also had nine receptions for 246 yards and three touchdowns.
With his health restored, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Anderson is ready to play his largest part in the offence to date. His goal for his senior season is to make an impact.
“I’m definitely expecting to have to lead my team and be that person that everybody can look up to,” Anderson stated.
“My teammates know (that) if they don’t know a play or if they need something, I’m the guy that is there to help them. I’m just looking for a good senior year, the goal is to stay healthy and play the year out fully, and to get back to the title game.”
Anderson is a bit of a unique find for the Irish as Arkansas has historically not been a significant feeder to Notre Dame. Anderson’s connection to the Irish developed entirely through his recruiting process, most notably through connections with head coach Marcus Freeman and running backs coach Deland McCullough, and he relishes the opportunity to break the mould.
“(My connection) really started during the process of my summer when I was exploring camps, and just trying to get myself out there,” Anderson stated.
“I received a message from a Notre Dame recruiting coordinator inviting me to camp. That was all it took, simply an invitation to camp.
It’s really difficult to leave my hometown behind, but it means a lot, guy. However, I’m excited to meet with Coach McCullough and Coach Freeman because I can already feel their excitement.
It assures me every time I go that I’m in capable hands. I’m thrilled that it will be a wonderful experience for me all around. Even though it’s never easy to leave your hometown, I’m pleased about it anyway.
“I’m definitely going to miss my family and all my friends. But like I said, Coach Freeman and just the way he’s talked about Notre Dame and how close-knit the family is there, that is what got me really excited knowing I’m going to be in good hands and I’m going to be safe there. I’m going to feel welcomed when I get up there, and I’m just very excited to feel that presence when I do get up there.”
After his sophomore season, Anderson piqued the curiosity of the Fighting Irish, but his offer came about as a result of a private workout with Coach McCullough. In preparation for his junior season, Anderson conducted the workout over the summer while camping at Notre Dame.
Looking back on the workout, Anderson stated, “The main thing that caught (McCullough’s) attention was definitely the mindset and just how I prioritise doing the little things right,” “I believe I did a terrific job, and he really noticed it, in that I was able to absorb instruction because there were a lot of new workouts that I had never seen before.
“It was a lot of footwork drills that I hadn’t done before that he was introducing to me, and I just was really good about taking coaching on it. I did everything as soon as he told me, and I did it right, just the way he wanted.
“So that’s the thing I think that he noticed about me. I just came to the camp with a great mindset, like I was the best there, and I performed to the best of my abilities and did everything that I could to show the coaches who I am and what I want it to be.”
To underscore that competitive mentality and commitment to coach-ability, Anderson has continued to perfect those exact drills since leaving South Bend.
“He sent me videos of the drills and of what we did,” Anderson said.
“I’ve been doing them as much as I can here at home during the offseason. I’ve been putting in the work to be the best back I can be for them when I get up there.”
Anderson learned early on that actions speak louder than words, and he said his leadership style reflects the age-old adage. His commitment to continuous improvement and taking action was ingrained in him from a young age, thanks to a robust support system.
“My dad, he’s my biggest role model. And I didn’t know him much because he passed away when I was younger. He played in the NFL, so I look up to him and I try to get to where he’s been.”
“My stepdad also played in the NFL and he’s been a big role model in my life so far, and he’s been a big help to my journey,” Anderson said. “He’s been getting me right with my training and providing everything that I need to get where I can go.”
Anderson’s competitive mentality, inherited from his father Darchi Kenyatta Anderson, and his stepfather Isaac Davis, has helped him bounce back from injury and keep his priorities for self-development firmly in focus this off-season.
“My dad, he’s my biggest role model. And I didn’t know him much because he passed away when I was younger. He played in the NFL, so I look up to him and I try to get to where he’s been.”
“My stepdad also played in the NFL and he’s been a big role model in my life so far, and he’s been a big help to my journey,” Anderson said. “He’s been getting me right with my training and providing everything that I need to get where I can go.”
Anderson’s competitive mentality, inherited from his father Darchi Kenyatta Anderson, and his stepfather Isaac Davis, has helped him bounce back from injury and keep his priorities for self-development firmly in focus this off-season.
“I’ve been working on my stability, just being better, able to stay up through tackles in or through the hole, and just being able to keep myself balanced as much as possible.”
Anderson will return to South Bend for his official visit on the weekend of June 14, ramping up summer ball thereafter. This fall, he will lead the Bryant Hornets as they look to return to state champion status for the sixth time in seven seasons.
