Oklahoma State Goes Deep in Picking Up Portal DB Mordecai McDaniel

STILLWATER – The other day when I crossed paths with Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy, I asked what had impressed him so far about his new staff. He said the defensive coaches, who were already in at the time, had hit the ground running and they had some prospects of their own in the transfer portal. Mordecai McDaniel is no doubt one of those.

McDaniel took to Instagram on Sunday, Dec. 22, to make the announcement.

Instagram: @heycai20

McDaniel’s commitment announcement on Instagram

McDaniel came in for a visit late in the week. The 6-1, 200 pound cornerback is a former four-star recruit at Washington D.C. St. John’s High School. He was known for his speed. He was the District of Columbia State Athletic Association gold medalist in the 55-meters and the 300-meters. He played wide receiver, cornerback, and safety at St. John’s.

Out of high school, class of 2020, he first committed to Tennessee, but then the Tennessee staff left and he went to Florida. Connection there with several new Oklahoma State coaches. At Florida he played sparingly and redshirted as a freshman with four total tackles, three unassisted. His sophomore season as a Gator, he had 15 tackles, seven unassisted, an interception, and a pass defended.  

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McDaniel with a tackle at UF.

He used Iowa Western Community College as a way station before ending up at Charlotte this past season. He was there with new Oklahoma State defensive line coach Ryan Osborn, who was the defensive coordinator for the 49ers. 

He played in all 12 games, started most, and finished with 43 tackles, 28 unassisted, two tackles-for-loss, a sack, a quarterback hurry, and three passes defended. It would appear he would have two seasons left to play.  

He has the size and physicality to play safety, speed to play corner, and could, obviously, help as a nickel.