As one of just three seniors on the baseball team, Adam McDaniel knows the importance of relating his experiences to “bring the young guys along.”

For McDaniel, this has come to not only include aiding the Diamond Dogs’ rookies in learning the ropes, but also serving as the team’s primary ambassador off the field.

When he is not blowing away the competition on the mound, McDaniel, a three-time Academic All-SEC honoree, is representing the team on numerous academic councils and committees, most notably the UGA Student-Athlete Academic Roundtable.

“I’ve always felt that I have leadership qualities, so being on the councils and committees has always been attractive to me,” he said. “I feel I can help people by sharing my experiences.”

Whether aiding freshman athletes adjust to the transition of college sports or working area baseball camps and clinics, McDaniel believes the good nature of his work exists in the fact that “being there helps younger people deal with experiences of life.”

Not too long ago, it was McDaniel himself who needed aid in making a transition.

Originally recruited by the Diamond Dogs as a third base prospect, McDaniel struggled to find consistent success in the lineup.

After batting .297 in 26 games as a freshman, McDaniel slumped as a regular starter to .222 his sophomore year.

The disappointing stats, combined with a massive turnover in the team’s bullpen entering the 2006 season, convinced McDaniel and the coaching staff to make the move to the mound.

“It was the perfect move,” said coach David Perno. “He went from a .220 hitter to a potential pro prospect if he continues to do what he’s been doing.”

What McDaniel has been doing lately is striking people out.

Since allowing a pair of runs in his first outing of the year, McDaniel has not been scored on in four ensuing appearances.

Fittingly, the reliever’s recent turnaround was the product of advice and adjustment.

“I had to stay out for four weeks to work on mechanics,” McDaniel said. “I was about to throw my arm out. I was losing command and basically holding myself back.”

One thing is sure – with experience at two positions, McDaniel will influencing his teammates.

“There are some things coaches just can’t take care of, things on the field, in competition,” McDaniel said. “I can talk with both the pitchers and the infielders about what I’ve gone through.”