Get to know Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett four-star defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, who signed his national letter of intent with Ohio State on Wednesday.
Height, Weight: 6-3, 310.
247 Composite Rankings: He’s rated as the 277th overall prospect, 38th-best defensive lineman and No. 25 recruit out of Georgia.
Commitment Date: McDonald committed to Ohio State on Oct. 31.
Other Offers: Arkansas, Auburn, Boston College, Clemson, Connecticut, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Jackson State, Kansas, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami (Fl.), Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, NC State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Pitt, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Troy, UCF, USC, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin.
How he did in high school: McDonald spent three years at the varsity level for the Bulldogs, racking up 234 tackles with 131 tackles for loss and 46 sacks in a mere 40 career games. His junior season stands out most, with the behemoth racking up 95 tackles, 58 tackles for loss and 19 sacks, all career highs. As a senior he put in some work offensively as well, rushing for 409 yards on 77 carries with 11 touchdowns.
Why he committed to Ohio State: McDonald pulled the trigger on his Ohio State commitment Oct. 31 after taking an official visit to the school Sept. 24. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson served as his recruiter.
The interior force told Eleven Warriors’ Garrick Hodge he viewed the Buckeyes as the total package for his development on and off the field.
“Why not OSU?” McDonald said about his commitment. “I picked OSU because of the academics, culture, opportunity to play and compete with the best, my relationship with Coach Johnson and Coach (Ryan) Day, plus the city of Columbus and the chance to win a national championship.”
Where he fits for 2023: With Taron Vincent and Jerron Cage likely on their way out, Mike Hall, Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams are likely to be competing for starting jobs on the inside.
Behind them Hero Kanu will look to take a step forward and get in some rotational duty, with Caden Curry being a factor either inside or outside. McDonald could find some spot reps with a big offseason but is more likely to factor in down the road in his career in Columbus.
