Kennesaw State quarterback Daniel David impressively began his first season as a starter for the Owls.
As a three-star recruit out of Hoschton, Georgia, David spent his first year of college at Appalachian State University. In 2016, he transferred to KSU as a redshirt freshman.
Now in his fourth year, David is facing new responsibilities as starting quarterback.
“I’ve definitely had to step into a leadership role,” David said. “[I have to] be more vocal and lead the guys in every aspect, on and off the field.”
David made an offensive impact from the moment he joined the team. As a freshman in 2016, he totaled 593 offensive yards. David is a dynamic athlete who can contribute to the offense as a rusher and a passer, fitting nicely into KSU’s offensive season.
Through four games this season, he has eight touchdowns and has already combined for 585 yards through the air and on the ground.
David is the first quarterback since former KSU quarterback Chandler Burks to lead the Owls. Burks led the FCS in 2018 with 29 rushing touchdowns before ending collegiate career after last season as a graduate student. Burks is now on the coaching staff at Wofford University.
Following Burks’ departure, the Owls needed a successor to lead the team on another run to the playoffs. Luckily, that player was nearby. As a second-string quarterback, Daniel David was fit for the challenge.
In his first three seasons, David worked alongside Burks. David mentioned that he learned several important lessons from his teammate.
“Leadership was the main thing, how [Burks] carried himself off the field and with the team,” David said. “On the field, I sat behind him for three years, so I learned a lot of fundamental things. From reads to steps, he helped a lot to get me to where I am in the offense today.”
Prior to this season, David was best remembered by Owls fans for his efforts in the team’s 2018 FCS playoff quarterfinal loss to South Dakota State. After Burks left the game with an injury, David was called into the game.
He had an inspiring performance, nearly leading a comeback with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The Owls ultimately fell short, but David had given the team a chance after falling behind SDSU. Despite the outcome, the game was a crucial learning experience for the quarterback.
“Over the past couple years, I’ve had some opportunities to get some experience. That was a big one,” David said. “That experience was amazing, playing a big-time team. Some of the guys [from SDSU] went on to the NFL that year. So now, stepping in against bigger teams it feels like I’ve been there and helps ease my stomach a bit.”
David plans to lead the Owls to another Big South Conference championship and FCS playoff appearance this season. The next game is against Reinhardt this Saturday, Sept. 28, at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
