“Phenomenal,” says tight end Martin Rucker.

“A competitor,” says running back Tony Temple.

“A Warrior,” says wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.

Those are just a few of many words that can be used in describing Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel.  The junior has led the Tigers to a 9-1 record and has guided one of the top offenses in the country.  Now after receiving a letter from the Heisman Trophy Trust, there’s now another way to describe Daniel…potential Heisman finalist.

“Just surreal, how great of an accomplishment just to be invited and to get that letter that I got,” says Quarterback Chase Daniel. “It is for the university, for the team, for the coaching staff.  All my credit (goes) to coach (David) Yost.  He got me to where it is.

“I’ve never had a player like this.  It’s good, though, “ says head coach Gary Pinkel.  “This is fun.  This why your in the business, this whole thing.”

Daniel’s numbers certainly garner considerations.  He  is fifth in the country in receiving yards,  fifth in completion percentage, and tied for seventh in receiving yards.  With numbers like that, it’s no wonder his receivers need to keep their eyes open at all times.

“You always got to be looking and ready to catch the ball because you don’t know who the ball coming to,” says Maclin.  “You could be the fourth read on the play and he’ll find you open.”

Should Daniel get invited to New York City, he would become only the second Tiger to be a finalist for the Heisman.  Quarterback Paul Christman finished third in the voting in 1939 and fifth in 1940.   While there’s still questions concerning who’ll take home this year’s award, Daniel’s teammates have no doubt who should get the hardware…and that’s No. 10 in black and gold.

“Why not,” says Rucker.  “You know, he’s done everything that the Heisman trophy represents.   He’s led his team to victory.  He’s a great leader and we’re winning.”

“I mean, just look at how he plays,” says Maclin. “I mean look at his performance.  He’s put up just as good of numbers as anybody else in college football.”

“No matter who you put them up against, he’s going to beat,” says Temple.  "He demands greatness.  Like he wants everyone to win and he’s the best.”

But winning the Heisman can take much more than being “the best.”  The process of becoming a finalist, much less a winner, is almost like running for political office.  Promoting a player to award voters can be very important in gaining that final nomination.

“We try to get information out as much as possible,” says Pinkel.  (Missouri Media Relations Director) Chad (Moller) was talking to me about doing some things.  So we’ll see where it goes.”

“If I got caught up in all that, then I wouldn’t prepare as well as I can be and play as well as I can,” says Daniel.  “So right now, it’s focus straight on Kansas State.”

Whether Daniel ends up hoisting the trophy or not, he will still have given the Missouri football program and its fans a season to remember.