It was Daniel Graff’s first practice as an LSU Tiger.
He was 20 years old at the time and had a headache because he hadn’t worn a helmet in more than three years. He couldn’t breathe because his shoulder pads were too tight. He worried about falling on his back during pass coverage drills.
But Graff fought through the nerves and discomfort and intercepted former quarterback Ryan Perrilloux not once, but twice.
Graff was no stranger to fighting adversity. He fought through Hurricane Katrina, the storm that sent a tree through his roof and forced him to attend three different schools in three years.
Compared to that, football was nothing. And with that early success, the unlikeliest of stars was born.
In his four seasons in Baton Rouge, Graff grew into a special teams standout, and his success on the field has made possible his dreams of playing in the NFL.
Overshadowed by more recognizable names like Patrick Peterson, Terrence Toliver and Stevan Ridley, Graff has quietly piqued the interest of several NFL teams. Local NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier said NFL teams appreciate Graff’s speed and “warrior mentality.”
“It could be his ticket to the NFL,” Detillier said. “The guys that do that at such a high level get a chance to make it in this league.”
Detillier said Graff would likely enter the league as an undrafted free agent but could still have an immediate impact.
LSU special teams coordinator Joe Robinson knows that if given the chance, Graff will excel.
“Daniel’s an overachiever,” Robinson said. “He’s fought long odds his entire career, but he’s been very successful. If he just gets that opportunity, he’ll certainly make the best of it.”
Graff’s journey began with a track scholarship at Louisiana-Lafayette. Katrina hit New Orleans a week into his first semester. The storm ravaged Graff’s home and forced him to sacrifice his freshman year to help his family.
The following year, he enrolled at the University of New Orleans, but living in a city still reeling from Katrina’s aftermath took a toll on Graff.
“It was like driving through a dead city, a ghost town,” Graff said.
Graff knew then that he wanted to walk on to the LSU football team. Graff found unlikely encouragement when he watched Chris Mitchell commit to LSU from a television in a FEMA trailer. Graff recalled facing the former wide receiver when he starred for Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie.
“I guarded him in high school,” Graff said about the former four-star recruit. “When I was guarding him, he only caught one pass on me. That encouraged me.”
Graff joined the Tigers before the 2007 season but didn’t see any action until 2008. Graff played in every game that season, making an immediate impact on special teams. His heart and dedication landed him a scholarship at season’s end.
“I just gave [LSU coach Les Miles] a hand shake,” Graff said about earning his scholarship. “Then I closed the door and ran a 4.2 [40-yard dash] down the hallway.”
Since that day, Graff has left his mark both on and off the field. Granted a sixth year of eligibility before the 2010 season, Graff earned LSU special teams player of the year and was nominated for the Rudy and Burlsworth awards. The Rudy Award is given to the player who best demonstrates “The Four C’s” — character, courage, contribution and commitment. The Burlsworth Award goes to the best player that began his career as a walk-on.
Graff also helps run the scout teams and participates in the Unity Council, a group of team leaders voted on by the players.
“He’s the best,” Robinson said. “He’s a leader. Off the field, he’s the kind of guy that makes your team successful.”
Former Tigers like Herman Johnson, who is on the Chicago Bears’ practice squad, San Diego Chargers fullback Jacob Hester and Ali Highsmith have taken notice of Graff’s abilities and encouraged him to train for the NFL.
After the season ended, Graff began training with Earl Chevalier, who helped former Tigers Danny McCray and Chris Hawkins find spots on NFL teams.
Ben Wilkerson, a former LSU offensive lineman and current graduate assistant, gave Graff encouraging words that he uses to stay motivated in chasing his dreams.
“It only takes one team to like you,” Graff said Wilkerson told him. “Out of 32 teams, only one has to like you.”
But no matter how close Graff gets to accomplishing his NFL aspirations, he remains humble and realistic about the direction his career may take.
“You always have to be a realist,” Graff said. “It’s not for everyone. If nothing happens, then I’ve had the memory of a lifetime. I’ll never regret it.”
 
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Contact Hunter Paniagua at [email protected]