Brandon McDaniel signs with University of Arkansas Rich Mountain

May 15 – Brandon McDaniel will soon block goals from a college goalie zone.

The McAlester senior signed his letter of intent on Monday to join the football team at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in Mena, Arkansas, after graduating from high school on Saturday.

McDaniel said he felt great about becoming a college athlete.

“It’s always been a dream of mine and it’s something I’ve seriously decided on over the last few years,” he said.

McDaniel said he chose Rich Mountain because it “fitted perfectly with everything I had in a college check box. Plus how the coaches made it feel like a family and not just a college team.”

When not in the field, McDaniel plans to major in business administration. He also has many other goals that he hopes to achieve.

“I’m setting myself the goal of becoming the best player I can be. I want to be the record holder for most clean sheets,” he said.

McDaniel has been playing sports since he was five years old and his love for football has only grown over the years.

“My favorite part (of football) is being able to stop everyone’s dream of a perfect shot with a perfect save,” he said.

When reflecting on his favorite football memories from his high school career, McDaniel talked about him and the Buffaloes winning the 2023 Wagoner Tournament.

“We won all three games 1-0 and it was a very tense tournament,” he said.

McDaniel acknowledged his parents as his biggest supporters.

“My father, who passed away last year, was always my supporter, as long as I dedicated my heart to what I did. I know he still supports me to this day,” he said. “My mother supported me by any means necessary, paying for the competitive club and dealing with all the lawn burns and finger problems I would get.”

And what’s the biggest piece of advice McDaniel would give young athletes?

“Put your whole heart into it,” he said. “Whether it’s sports or not, always put in 110%.”