Chase Daniel, 20
Chasing the goal | MU quarterback
 
Story by Devin Benton
Video by Caroline Zilk
Photo by Ryan Gladstone

It’s easy to forget that a football star — Chase Daniel — actually lives in Columbia. He eats at local restaurants, shops downtown and sits in lecture halls, all while building his football legacy for the Tigers.

Daniel is rewriting the school passing records, generating national media attention and putting Missouri football back on the map.

The Texas native says he enjoys Columbia when he’s not busy with his day job.

“Being in Columbia, you couldn’t ask for anything more,” Daniel says. “I love living here. It’s more of a small atmosphere where you know a lot of the people, and you know a lot of the people who own places around town.”

Daniel has certainly accomplished some mighty feats on the football field. As a first-year starter in 2006, he helped lead the Tigers to an 8-5 record and a berth in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.

As the 2007 season began, the expectations were higher than ever. So far, Daniel has delivered.

“Statistically, there is no doubt he’ll set every passing record in the books,” says Gabe DeArmond, editor of PowerMizzou.com. “By the numbers, he’s probably going to be the best. If Daniel wins the Big 12 North at least once, he’s got to be in the discussion as the best (quarterback) ever.”

With a strong finish to the season, Daniel could become a Columbia legend.

“He is just a remarkable competitor, and that’s what makes him,” said Gary Pinkel, head coach of the Tigers, at a press conference Sept. 10. “That’s why he’s good at what he does.”

In the meantime, Daniel is satisfied with how things have worked out so far.

“I never grew up thinking I would be at Missouri, but this is where fate took me and God put me, and so I’m happy here,” he says. “I wouldn’t rather be in any other place.”