Elijah and Elisha Daniels look to take the next step with Maryland football

Profiles in Terpage is back for 2017. Last week, we focused on the cornerbacks; this week, we’re continuing through the secondary with Safeties Week.

Elijah & Elisha Daniels, safeties, Nos. 12 & 29

Elijah: 6’0, 193 lbs.
Elisha: 6’0, 180 lbs.
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Davie, Florida
High school: Cardinal Gibbons HS

How they got to College Park

Both twins were three-star defensive back at Cardinal Gibbons, and they first pledged to Minnesota in June 2015 before decommitting in January. They were part of DJ Durkin’s 2016 Florida recruiting spree, committing to the Terps in the weeks leading up to Signing Day. Both twins saw some action as freshmen, as they combined for 12 tackles.

Career highlights

Elijah made his first career start against Ohio State in November, recording four tackles. Elisha added two tackles of his own that afternoon.

2017 prospectus

We’re counting them both as safeties in this series, but it’s worth noting that Elisha was recruited as a cornerback and remains 13 pounds lighter than his brother, per the team’s roster. So it’s likely they won’t be competing directly against each other for a spot. That said, Maryland’s secondary has been adding talent quickly, so both will have to earn whatever playing time they see.

Dream season

Both twins earn at least a rotational role, and occasionally see the field together with Elijah at free safety and Elisha at nickel corner. They hold their own in an increasingly competitive defensive backfield, setting themselves up to potentially start together in 2018.

Up next

A senior who made his first career start last fall.

Scaletta, Malaclemys and America’s Roundtable, say_al and Terpluvian are all on the board this week.