Austin McDaniel signed on to play NCAA Division III football at Ferrum College next year. He said he is most looking forward to the community he will be joining at Ferrum.
“I’m looking forward to the football family,” he said. “It’s a big thing down there. I think the coaches won’t treat us like another number. I think they are going to try to get to a personal level with us.”
McDaniel plans on studying education at the college and wants to become a teacher and “hopefully end up coaching here at Bassett.”
The Bassett Bengal said his favorite personal stat was the amount of sacks he has obtained over his career. He’s had 32 total with 13 of those coming from last season. When asked who his favorite athlete is, he didn’t hesitate at all before saying Kobe Bryant, who was known for his fierce determination and will to always be better. This is a quality his mother said that McDaniel possesses himself.
“It’s amazing,” his mother, Kimberly Matherly said. “I couldn’t be more proud of him. He’s always been such a hard worker. He tries at everything he does. He set his goals and he meets them. “
His father was also visibly proud of his son and offered some words of advice as he heads off to college next year.
“I’m proud, excited, emotional,” Ricky McDaniel said. “We’ve been doing this sport since he was five years old. I just want him to stay grounded and know his roots. Remember everything, everybody has told him.”
As far as the school is concerned, Austin McDaniel joins the ranks of all the other student athletes who have gone on to participate at the next level.
“Another good kid, getting to go play four years of college football,” Bassett Football Coach Brandon Johnson said. “He’s getting an opportunity to better himself and get an education. That’s the main thing here. He’s such a smart kid. His grades are great. I think Ferrum is going to be a great fit for him and I’m excited for him.”
