After de-committing from Army, Putnam County’s Rashod Daniel has found his new college home.
The senior War Eagles’ running back and linebacker recently announced he has committed to play at Cumberland University, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics program in Lebanon, Tenn.
Daniel originally committed to play at Army last June but backed off his pledge to the Black Knights in October. Cumberland offered Daniel a few weeks ago, and it didn't take long for him to commit.
Daniel recently told The Eatonton Messenger that he chose Cumberland partly because of head coach Tim Mathis. He visited Cumberland’s campus to meet Mathis, who left a positive impression.
“My decision to commit to Cumberland was deeply rooted in my understanding with Coach Mathis. He’s a straightforward guy and didn’t sell dreams like other schools,” Daniel explained. “He said he may not be able to promise playing time or anything else, but he did promise as long as you handled your business outside of football, you would still have a scholarship.
“I also wanted to start a new journey somewhere else, see a different part of life, and meet different people.”
Cumberland recruited Daniel as a running back.
“They like how physical and disciplined I am as a runner,” Daniel said. “Even when pressure was coming, I always did what I was told, like staying inside and not bouncing on power and how good of a blocker I am.”
Daniel had a decorated career playing for Putnam County. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder rushed for 2,536 yards and scored 40 touchdowns over his four years there. He also had 153 tackles as a War Eagle. Daniel earned several All-Region honors, including Region Athlete of the Year as a senior, and garnered All-State accolades.
Daniel rushed for a team-high 1,202 yards and 20 touchdowns on 160 attempts, averaging 7.5 yards per carry last season. He also had six catches for 71 yards and a score. He averaged 115 rushing yards per contest and ran over 100 yards in six games. Daniel had 26 tackles on defense as well.
Putnam County head coach Joel Harvin thought Daniel deserved all his recognition.
“Rashod showed just how versatile he was by returning kicks, playing linebacker and running back,” Harvin said. “He also had a few completions [last] year as a quarterback. He kept our team together and made huge plays on both sides of the ball throughout the year. He is the example of a true Iron Man for us, and we couldn’t be more proud. He is truly deserving of it.”
Daniel will enroll at Cumberland University this fall.