Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
Even if you’ve had trouble saying his name correctly, don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of practice.
Marquay (pronounced Mark-way) McDaniel is quickly becoming a household name on a team brimming with talent at the receiver position.
In a season only two games old, he currently leads the team in receptions and receiving yards, and is second and fifth in the league in those same categories respectively.
He is quietly becoming Kevin Glenn’s most reliable receiver.
One of his teammates and one of the best in the league at his craft is hardly surprised.
“Don’t forget, he was number one in combined yards last year in the league,” said fellow receiver Arland Bruce III. “He’s definitely a guy that can explode at any time once you get the ball into his hands,” he added.
McDaniel has parlayed a very successful rookie season into a hot start to his 2010 campaign.
If projections mean anything, and they may not, Marquay could be looking at a 100+ reception and 1500+ yard season. If he even comes close to those numbers, it will be a highly successful season for a sophomore receiver.
Much of that success is the result of a lot of hard work, and a greater comfort level now that he’s had a year in this league to get acclimated.
“Definitely way more comfortable this year, going through a year of learning the offence and seeing defences, and learning what teams are trying to do helped me prepare for this season,” said McDaniel.
“Last year as the weeks went by I think I got better, I started to just play instead of thinking,” he said.
Part of his development as a clutch receiver has been his ability to take advantage of all the opportunities that come his way during a game.
“Capitalizing on each pass that gets thrown your way is so important because you never know when you’ll get that next opportunity,” said McDaniel.
Marquay has been able to take advantage of his opportunities mainly because of his fearlessness when negotiating the area between the hash marks, a part of the field known for violent hits and flying bodies.
“I’m comfortable in the middle for some reason, I can see the holes opening up and I can anticipate Kevin getting ready to throw the ball as I come out of my breaks,” he said.
“You can’t pay attention to the guys around you when you’re out there, you’re gonna get hit anyway so you might as well catch the ball,” he said.
McDaniel’s quarterback thinks that his understanding of each play contributes largely to his success.
“He’s one of those guys that really knows the offence and knows exactly what you’re looking for,” said quarterback Kevin Glenn.
One area that Marquay wants to improve on is his ability to make things happen after he gets the ball in his hands.
“I want to do more after the catch, that’s something I’m concentrating on this season,” he said.
A frightening thought when you realize just how new this young man is to the Canadian game, and the untapped potential he has yet to realize.
