Averell Daniell

Bio

He was 6-3, 200-pounds, a football and track star at Mt. Lebanon (PA) High School. Averell Daniell was a recruiter's dream. But he wanted to go to the University of Pittsburgh, one of the few Eastern schools which did not express an interest in his talents. "Little Abner" struck out for Pitt on his own, a non-scholarship athlete with a desire to play football for the Panthers. He made the team as a walk-on candidate. Utilizing quickness and aggressive spirit, Daniell overshadowed many of the great linemen of his day. And in 1936, Daniell's senior season, the Panther captain became a consensus All-America selection as the leader of what many feel is one of the best lines in Pitt history. The Panthers finished the regular season with a 7-1-1 record, losing a narrow decision to Duquesne and battling Fordham to a scoreless tie. Then came an invitation to meet Washington in the Rose Bowl. The Pitt defense, led by its captain, blanked the opposition and the Panthers came home as 21-0 victors. His younger brother, Jim, played at Ohio State and also was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Career Highlights

• 1936 Consensus All-America