Senior linebacker Demarco Daniels entered his final season at Eastside High with a goal of being one of the best linebackers in Florida. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, he certainly fits the part, but a groin injury sidelined him for several games and prevented him from matching the eye-popping numbers he posted last year.
Still, Daniels’ mindset never wavered. Now healthy, he’s back leading the Rams’ defense and proving he belongs among the area’s top defensive players.
“Things are gonna get hard in life, but it’s all about how you handle it and the type of mindset you have to overcome whatever is thrown your way,” Daniels said. “That’s why I love football so much. You have to have a lot of discipline, and if you continue to work through whatever you have going on, stuff is usually going to work out.”
Daniels’ perseverance extends beyond the field. Born in Hawthorne, he came to Eastside as a freshman while his mother worked multiple jobs to support the family. Without a father figure at home, Daniels later moved in with his godparents, gaining both a stronger family structure and a school community that welcomed him immediately.
“I was able to play a lot as a freshman and fit in right away,” Daniels said. “Coach Harold ‘Gator’ Hoskins helped me make my mark early, and the Eastside community was amazing. Everyone is family around here, and that was special. It made me want to stay, and I’m so happy I got to be part of this team for four years.”
After missing time with the injury, Daniels returned to the field with renewed motivation. He recorded 10 tackles and an interception in Eastside’s lopsided win over Gainesville High last Friday, improving the Rams to 8–2 and earning him this week’s UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week honor.
“Being out for a few games taught me a ton,” Daniels said. “It made me realize you always have to put in the work. Missing time helped me appreciate staying focused, playing hard for all four downs, and doing your job. Whatever it takes to help the team win is what I’m going to do.”
Daniels also credits Eastside’s athletic training staff for helping him return to form.
“Miranda [Lee] was amazing,” he said. “She helped me tremendously through this process and showed me the steps I needed to take to get back on the field and contribute. I’m grateful to have these athletic trainers with us every day.”
With Daniels once again leading the Rams’ defense, Eastside heads into the postseason as a legitimate threat. Winners of five straight, the Rams have allowed just 14 points per game during that stretch and Daniels is enjoying every chance to make an impact.
“Playing defense is awesome. It’s just something that’s part of me,” he said. “It’s all about showing you’ve got more dog in you than the guy with the ball and doing whatever it takes to bring him down. It feels good to make an impactful play and put a hit on someone they’ll remember the rest of the game.”
Daniels will continue his football journey at the University of Delaware after graduating from Eastside, with plans to report in early February. But before he leaves, he hopes to leave a legacy for the next generation of Rams.
“Before I go, I want the young guys to know what it takes to make it to the next level,” Daniels said. “I’m going to try to lead by example and never take a play off. This is a great group and an awesome coaching staff, and it’s been a blessing being here.”
Each weekly UF Health Athlete of the Week winner becomes eligible for the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year Scholarship, a $2,500 award presented at the end of the 2025–26 academic year.