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SOUTHLAKE -- When Chase Daniel finishes a grueling, seven-month season as backup quarterback with the New Orleans Saints, the first place he goes is home to Southlake.
It's the place where he spent his high school years and won often while playing for Southlake Carroll and former coach Todd Dodge, including an undefeated state title run in 2004.
Daniel was the keynote speaker at the Southlake Chamber Awards Banquet on Friday and took some time to answer questions about the Saints' bounty allegations, the influence Saints star quarterback Drew Brees has had on him, his expectations for his future in the NFL and how his alma mater, Missouri, will do in the SEC.
What is your favorite memory of Southlake growing up? I would probably say winning the state championship, which turned into the national championship in 2004. We were No. 1 in the nation to start the year and No. 1 in the state in every poll, and we didn't lose.
What is the best part about playing for the New Orleans Saints? The fans. The state of Louisiana has this fever about them in football. They lean on the Saints. When Hurricane Katrina hit in '05, they really needed something to grab a hold of, and for them, it was the Saints.
How has your team been able to stay focused despite the bounty allegations? To hear bad things and allegations brought upon these guys I've been with for the past three years, it hurts. But during this off-season, guys were just so excited to get back on the field because they really wanted the chance to get that out of their minds and focus on football.
What are some of the things you admire about Drew Brees? The hours he puts in, the willingness he has to succeed and just his work ethic. You try to mirror yourself after a guy like that.
What are your future expectations for your NFL career? I understand it's a process. Do I want to be playing right now and starting? Absolutely. But I understand it's going to come. It's really a blessing in disguise because I'm not being rushed out on the field to play right away.
How do you think Missouri will fare in the SEC? Luckily we're not in the SEC West. It's going to be a tough process, but I feel like we're going to surprise some people.
What are your thoughts about Missouri landing No. 1 national recruit Dorial Green-Beckham? DGB has been on their radar for two or three years now. He's a freak type of athlete. He's like a Calvin Johnson in college. I think he can be a contributor right away.
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