A pair of long-time starting quarterbacks in Marion County are heading to play college football together in the fall.
East Marion’s Devin Daniels and Columbia Academy’s Ras Pace will be attending Belhaven University in Jackson to play for the Blazers.
Daniels put together quite the career as a four-year starter at quarterback, defensive back and as a punt and kick returner. For his career he threw for 4,492 yards and 52 touchdowns, rushed for 2,231 yards and 32 touchdowns and returned four interceptions, three punts, two kickoffs and two fumbles back for touchdowns. That’s 95 total touchdowns in his high school career.
Pace was similarly productive as a three-year starter for the Cougars. As more of a prototypical pocket passer, he threw for 5,300 yards and 59 touchdowns but still ran for 959 yards and 20 touchdowns during his prep career. His best season was actually his sophomore year, when he was surrounded by the most talent, passing for 2,586 yards and 30 touchdowns against just six interceptions.
During his visit in February, Daniels said the coaching staff just made Belhaven feel like home. Although he spent his prep career as a quarterback, the 5-foot-8, 206-pound phenom will likely play running back in college and isn’t worried about the transition.
“I’m just ready to play,” he said. “I’m ready to be a big part of someone’s offense.”
The Eagles ran a lot of quarterback draws and powers with Daniels at the helm so he’s accustomed to reading holes and following lead blockers as a ball carrier. His senior year he rushed for 1,078 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games while averaging a whopping 8.7 yards per carry, which was tied for the most in Marion County among players with at least 50 carries.
Daniels said it means a lot to him to have the chance to continue his athletic career.
“I know a lot of good people that have been through high school and never got to play in college,” he said. “I’m just blessed to get the opportunity to play.”
Daniels said he had three different offensive coordinators during his four years starting at East Marion, and each one of them taught him something different. He thanked them, his family and former head coach Kevin Jackson.
When Pace went on a visit to the Jackson school in January, he really liked the coaches and the atmosphere around the Blazers football program.
“They wanted me and wanted me to help me get better on and off the field as a man and a player,” he said.
The signal caller is thankful for the opportunity to extend his playing career as well as being blessed with the skills necessary to make the jump from the prep ranks to college.
“Sports have always been a big part of my life ever since I’ve been young so to have a chance to continue at the college level is special. I’m thankful that God has blessed me with the ability to play these games.”
The 6-foot-1 three-sport athlete also thanked his parents, Paul and Tracey, for their support, his brothers, Tanner and Travis, for teaching him how to play and for pushing him to be his best and his coaches, particularly former offensive coordinator Norman Joseph.
“I would not be the quarterback I am without him,” he said. “My freshman year I had played a little bit, but I had never really played quarterback much until that summer going into my sophomore year. He made me the quarterback I am. Big thanks to him for everything he’s done for me.”
Pace also had an offer from Rhodes College in Memphis and a preferred walk-on spot at Mississippi College.
The CA valedictorian is also excited about the academics Belhaven offers and is looking forward to continuing his education.
Although Belhaven, a Division III school, went just 2-8 last season, the Blazers lost six of those games by 14 points or less, including a 23-13 loss to top-ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor. Belhaven graduated its starting quarterback, but backup Mayowa Asagunia also saw substantial playing time in every game and will return for his senior season in the fall.
Both Pace and Daniels also were starting point guards on state championship basketball teams for their respective schools, as well as starting infielders and pitchers in baseball. They even grew up playing on all-star baseball teams together, and both are considering playing baseball at Belhaven but haven’t decided yet.
They will be joined at Belhaven by East Marion defensive lineman Jaheim Burkett, who signed in February.
