Defensive end Lukus McDaniels did not play football until his sophomore year of high school because he was focused on basketball growing up. (Photo by SIUSalukis.com)
By Barry Bottino
Growing up, Lukus McDaniels’ athletic dreams did not include football.
“I just wanted to be a basketball player,” the Southern Illinois sophomore defensive end said. “I had an older brother who never really played football. We played basketball all the time. My younger brother never played football either. We grew up on basketball.”
That plan changed after some constant reminders around campus at Jeffersontown High School in Louisville, Ky.
“Walking around my high school as the big kid who hasn’t played football, every time the football coach runs into you, he’s going to say something,” McDaniels said.
The 6-foot-6 McDaniels eventually gave football a try as a sophomore “and I ended up liking it.”
A native of Louisville, Ky., McDaniels shares some of his home region’s top hot spots, his new jersey number this season, his favorite holiday foods and the best thing about his height in our weekly Moving the Chains Q&A.
When did you realize football could lead you to a college career?
When my recruitment picked up and I thought, ‘Oh, this might be a thing I can actually do.’
Did you play defensive line right away in high school?
I never played D-line until I got to college. I played quarterback, running back, tight end, linebacker, safety, a little bit of everything. But I never played D-line.
When SIU pitched playing D-line during your recruitment, how did you feel about it?
It was Coach James (former SIU defensive coordinator Antonio James) who made me think I could play D-line and be really good at it. So, I took that path. I believed him and I trusted him.
What’s the worst thing about being 6-foot-6?
I don’t think there’s a bad thing about it. It’s the perfect height – not too tall, not too short. And, you’re above average.
What’s the best thing about being 6-foot-6?
Doing around the house stuff. My girlfriend is a little shorter than me, so she needs help with things.
You switched this season from No. 40 to No. 3. What’s the significance of No. 3?
I’ve got three brothers and I care for them a lot. So, this is to represent them.
If you’re taking a teammate back home to the Louisville area, what are three things you have to show him?
We need to see downtown. We’ve got a great downtown in Louisville. I usually take people around my high school area. We go work out there.
Then there’s the Kentucky Derby (at Churchill Downs). Me and couple of teammates went to the Kentucky Derby last year. It’s pretty fun. You can have fun with your friends, enjoy the day and watch the horses.
If you haven’t experienced, it’s greatest, shortest race ever.
The Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich – an open-face turkey sandwich with turkey, bacon, tomatoes and cheese sauce – was invented in Louisville. Have you tried it?
I’ve never heard of that. We’ve got KFC. (Laughs) My favorite restaurant is Eden & Kissi. It’s a Jamaican jerk spot.
How do you like to spend your free time at SIU?
I’m into fishing. I fish a lot. We fish on our off days. I never fished until I got here to Carbondale. It’s been me, DJ (quarterback DJ Williams) and Gavin (cornerback Gavin Shepard) who started fishing together. We’ve been doing it non-stop, and now we’ve got people joining us whenever they can.
Coach (Nick) Hill let’s us use his property to go fish as well. We spend countless hours out there.
What’s the biggest fish you have caught?
I’ve caught about a 5 ½-pound bass. That’s the biggest.
Other than Saluki Stadium, do you have a favorite spot to hang out?
It’s the house where (wide receiver) ET Harris, (linebacker) Ben Fiegel, (defensive end) Nate Tronzo and (linebacker) Charlie Whelpley live. It’s a good hangout spot for the whole team.
What’s your favorite postgame meal?
The Buffalo Wild Wings 20-piece wings. My favorite flavor is mild, and I’ve definitely a ranch dressing guy.
What’s one food you’ve always wanted to try?
There are frozen bars where the outside is fruit and the inside is ice cream (known as paletas). I’m pretty sure they have them at Hispanic grocery stores.
What’s your favorite holiday and what do you like to eat on that day?
Thanksgiving. I’m a picky eater, so I keep it really simple. I go with mac and cheese. You can’t forget the rolls. I go with ham, a little bit of turkey, greens and whatever sweets we have.
I’m not a big pie guy, so probably some cranberries.
Do you have a favorite jersey combination that you’ve worn at SIU?
I like the Blackout Cancer game (an annual fundraiser for families impacted by cancer, which is Oct. 24 this season). That’s when we wear black jerseys one time a season.
What is your major and what type of career would you like it to lead you to?
I’m majoring in Recreation Professions, but I want to own my own business one day. I don’t know what kind of business but I’d like to run my own business.
Halloween is coming up. Do you have a favorite Halloween candy?
The Halloween Skittles. It’s a sweet and sour mix. You don’t know which one is sour.
Did you have a favorite costume that you wore growing up?
One year, me and all my brothers dressed like zombie basketball players. We had all the face paint and ripple jerseys with fake blood on our jerseys.
Do you have a favorite sports jersey that you like to wear?
My Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens jersey.
Do you remember when you first dunked a basketball?
I dunked my ninth grade year of high school in a game.
Who is an unsung hero in the SIU football program that you appreciate?
(Head strength coach) Meade Smith. He’s behind the scenes. He’s a real hero. He’s been on top of me every day since I’ve been here to do the work I have to do to be great. He sees the potential in me and he instills consistency in my brain.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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