McDaniel was a four-year letterman (1992–1995) for the East Carolina Pirates before moving onto the NFL. He ended his Pirate tenure with 112 tackles and 13 interceptions, pacing the Pirates in that category from 1993 to 1995 (2 in 1993, 5 in 1994, and 6 in 1995). He is tied in East Carolina Pirates record book for career high interception for a touchdown with two. As a college senior, he earned First-team All-South Independent honors.[2]
He ended his professional career with 161 tackles, 32 passes defended and nine interceptions. McDaniel had six interceptions in 2000, when he helped the New York Giants to a 12–4 regular-season record.
After ending his player career, McDaniel took time away from the game to be with his newborn son until the 2006 season, when he volunteered in the Akron Zips football office. From 2007 to 2009, he served as the Akron Zips football Cornerback Coach, guiding two players to All Mid-American Conference honors.
McDaniel also worked for the East Carolina Pirates as a Strength and Conditioning Coach from 2011 -2014.