BENTONVILLE -- The Class 7A state semifinal game between Bentonville and North Little Rock had barely started last week, and Hayden McDaniel had already seen a significant change in his duties.
The senior cornerback, the elder statesman in Bentonville's secondary, would have to cover talented receiver K.J. Hill after teammate Tyrone Mahone went down with a leg injury on the third play. It was a test McDaniel deemed himself ready to take.
"I feel like, with the coaching staff and the way we had been practicing that week and throughout the year, I was prepared to cover anyone," McDaniel said. "He's an outstanding player, and I show respect to him. But I felt like one guy couldn't beat a whole team."
Hill, who has already made a verbal commitment to sign with Arkansas, did get 10 receptions for 110 yards against McDaniel and his colleagues in Bentonville's secondary during that game. However, the number that stood out more to them was zero -- the number of touchdown receptions Hill had in that game.
McDaniel (5-foot-9, 150 pounds) played a big role in that feat when he batted a pass away from Hill near the end zone. It was the type of play Bentonville coach Barry Lunney has grown accustomed to seeing from him.
"In almost every game, he's been matched up against a taller receiver than he is," Lunney said. "He battles, he jumps. He gets his hands in there, and he rarely gets himself out of position. He makes tackles and understands what setting the edge is and turning things in for the pursuit.
"He's just been so consistent and so dependable. You can count on him to do what he's supposed to do, and he'll do it very well."
It's no wonder that the Tigers count on McDaniel for much more than defending against the pass. He has served as the holder when Bennett Moehring attempts field goals and extra points for the past two years.
He also serves as a short-yardage punt and kickoff returner. He's also used at times as a receiver, although Lunney prefers not to use him in that capacity that often.
"He's just a calming effect, wherever he is," Lunney said. "There's just a presence about him that makes feel confident. He's got an air about him. He goes out there and catches the ball on punts, and he's done exceptionally well."
Now McDaniel embarks upon his final test, and it won't be any different than any of his previous ones. He will spend his last game with Bentonville having to defend against two more Arkansas verbal commits -- the Fayetteville duo of Dre Greenlaw and C.J. O'Grady.
"It's a big game and a big situation, so you've got to come up big," McDaniel said. "There's a lot of emotions right now -- excitement, nervousness -- but for the most part, it's still just a game.
"We've played them before and we know what to expect. C.J. is a great player, and they're starting to put Dre over there. He's another great player and another weapon. I'm looking forward to it."
Sports on 12/06/2014