During his senior season in 1987, McDaniel registered 57 tackles (38 solo), 2 interceptions and a team-leading 8 broken-up passes. In the Vols' win over Mississippi State, McDaniel prevented another long touchdown run when he chased down and stopped Bulldog running back Hank Phillips at the Tennessee 15-yard line. His hit on Phillips jarred the ball loose, and it was recovered by Vol linebacker Darrin Miller. He was named All-SEC and 2nd-team All-American. He also received Academic All-SEC honors. His career totals at Tennessee included 146 tackles (97 solo), 11 passes broken up, and 6 interceptions.