Boise State Roster Countdown 2021: Day 42, Daniel Cantrell

We are slowly, but surely, winding down the 40s. As you can tell I love the specialists. Today, we highlight a walk-on-turned-scholarship player AND a local product in #42, Daniel Cantrell.

#42, Daniel Cantrell, RS Senior, LS

Stats

Height: 6’

Weight: 238 lbs (-2 lbs)

High School: Bishop Kelly High School, Boise, ID

How’d he get to the Blue™?

After a stellar career at Bishop Kelly, Daniel earned himself a preferred walk-on spot with the Broncos. He earned himself a scholarship in 2019 as well!

Nickname

“DC”

No, not like Washington.

Look-a-like

Former Boise State Bronco and current Dallas Cowboy Leighton Vander Esch (Daniel needs some neck work)

Career Highlights

A two-time member of the Academic All-MWC team, Daniel played in every game since taking over the handling of long snapping duties as well as being a special teams demon, accounting for 11 total tackles.

And interesting note, Daniel was a member of the USA U-18 national football team in 2017. He was also named 4A Southern Idaho Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior after posting 133 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. That put him on both the Idaho State First-Team offense and defense in 2017.

2021 Prospectus

Daniel is THE man at long snapper. I’m assuming there may be another walk-on at some point, but Daniel is the man at the position. Even if someone else comes along, I have a hard time seeing them supplant the Rubio Long Snapping graduate.

I encourage you to take the time to watch this kid play. He has a ton of heart, and it shows on every play he is on the field. You better believe that when the punt team is on, my eyes are on number 42, taking full advantage of the rules protecting the long snapper, sprinting down the field to go and pummel the opposing punt returner. My expectation is that either he will continue this, or teams will have to scheme this former linebacker out of a free run at their returner. Either way this young man makes an incredible impact on the game.

Is he on Twitter?

He sure is, and a proud carrier of the Dan Paul Hammer.

Completely made up fact

Being raised in Boise, Daniel once dreamed of playing for the mighty Chukars of Treasure Valley Community College. No offer came, probably because they no longer have a football program, but he was able to, begrudgingly, walk on with his second choice, the Broncos of Boise State.