Daniels

ALLIANCE, Ohio — One of the reasons James Daniels chose to play football at Mount Union College was the winning tradition the Purple Raiders bring to the field.

Now, the Seneca Valley graduate is part of it.

A freshman running back, Daniels was part of the school's 10th Division III national title in program history.

Mount Union defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater 31-26 Dec. 20 in Salem, Va., to claim the championship. The team finished the season 15-0 and outscored its opponents 683-131.

The 5-foot-10 198-pound Daniels practiced with the team and dressed for several games.

"It was nice being around all of those great players," Daniels said. "It was a great atmosphere the entire season."

After rushing for 1,276 yards and 19 touchdowns during his varsity career at SV, Daniels was relegated to the unfamiliar role of practicing with the Purple Raiders during the week and cheering for the team on Saturdays.

He watched the national title game on television with many of his freshman teammates.

"It was surreal to see my teammates on national television," said Daniels. "I expected them to do well.

"As a football player, you're taken aback when you aren't out there playing," he added. "You want to be on the field, but not playing as a freshman, that is something you have to expect when you come to a great program."

But 2008 was by no means a wasted season for Daniels.

He was able to learn from Nate Kmic, who became college football's all-time leading rusher during the season.

Kmic tallied 2,790 yards in 2008 and ended his career with 8,074.

Kmic was named to the Associated Press' Little All-America Football Team, which includes players from Division II, III and the NAIA levels.

"I learned what it takes to be successful at the college level," Daniels said. "Vision is very important and you don't have to have incredible speed to succeed."

The 2009 season already has begun for Daniels.

He began lifting weights four days a week before Christmas and will continue with that schedule when he arrives back on campus next weekend.

"There are a couple of running back spots open for next season," he said. "It's going to come down to my conditioning and spring ball."