Texas Tech running back transfer Ronnie Daniels will not be joining the San Diego State football program and does not plan to pursue a career in football anymore, he told AztecSportsReport on Friday.
Daniels, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound all-purpose back, was expected to join the team during summer workouts, participate in fall practices and compete for the No. 2 running back spot behind starting RB Adam Muema.
"All I have to say is sorry to all my fans and family," Daniels told ASR via text message. "I know it is hard for you to see me not pursue an athletic career. At the end of the day I have to do what's best for me. The time I sat out I had adapted and acquired a unique set of skills that I plan to use for everyone's benefit. Although the game is fun, it is definitely time to set aside childish things and help everyone progress.
"Again, I'm sorry fans but don't want you to sob over this. Worry about the next step that you take and make sure it's a step forward and not backwards cause you will see me sprinting ahead.
"Football fell far from the tree. It's dead to me. Not balanced."
Daniels, once considered the most athletic recruit to come out of New Mexico in the 2011 recruiting class, signed his San Diego State Letter of Intent this past February and was taking classes at Grossmont College to keep his academics in order.
Daniels had three years of NCAA eligibility remaining after his dismissal from Texas Tech in spring 2012. He reportedly had committed undisclosed violations of team rules before the 2011 season, during the season and after the season during spring practices. Daniels then looked to transfer to San Diego State last fall, but was not eligible at that time.
After signing his LOI in February, Daniels attended San Diego State's spring game this past March and told members of the media -- while decked out in SDSU apparel -- that he was looking forward to being an Aztec and was taking a full course load at Grossmont in order to do so. He also called his dismissal from Texas Tech a "misunderstanding."
"I know now that there's things I have to change because to continue to do the same thing over and over and expect different results is insane," Daniels said at the time.