“I think Buckeye Nation is amazing,” McDonald told Eleven Warriors earlier this month regarding what the most appealing thing about playing for Ohio State would be. “The fans, the tradition there, really, just Buckeye Nation is great.”
The Georgia prospect also took the Buckeyes much more seriously in his recruitment after the hiring of Knowles.
“It’s a different vibe with coach Knowles being the defensive coordinator,” McDonald said. “The defense looks faster. They’re playing more together and relentless. It’s a relentless defense and a national championship-type defense.”
His scouting report says he displays good athletic ability at his size in the middle of the defensive line, especially as a one-tech, but shows the ability to play multiple positions along the front. Here is the rest of what to expect from McDonald, courtesy of 247Sports national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna:
Exhibits good quick twitch explosiveness off the line of scrimmage with an excellent first step. Nimble for his size, possessing good initial foot and body quickness. Can win with speed, quickness, and power off the line of scrimmage. Flashes heavy hands at the point of attack, in addition to good play strength, showing the ability to penetrate consistently behind the line of scrimmage. Possesses the frame and the ability to anchor the run while also adding some pass-rush ability as an interior lineman.
Projects as a one technique in a 4-3 defense with the ability to offer some position versatility along the defensive line if needed. Forceful prospect that has the ability to impact the run and pass as an interior lineman and projects to a Power Five multi-year starter with the ability to outperform his current projection.