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Gifted multi-sport and multi-positional athlete with a big frame and considerable growth potential. Measured over 6-foot-2, and a lean 195 pounds with a 6-foot-6 wing-span prior to his senior season. Pairs the high-end frame and length with outstanding overall athleticism. State champion in the triple jump as a junior with a 48-2 mark. District MVP in basketball as a junior, showing above the rim bounce while leading his team to a deep playoff run. Transfers that athleticism over to the gridiron where he works as a smooth dual-threat quarterback for his high school. Shows good play speed and a long stride capable of pulling away from defenders. Flashes playmaking ability and physicality while playing defense on Friday nights. Was able to cover national names at wide receiver while playing corner at the All-American Bowl, showing some rare cover ability for a prospect of his size. Remains to be seen where he ends up at the next level, but projects as a back seven defender. Could play safety or potentially grow into a linebacker. The frame, athletic profile and smooth movement patterns point to a high ceiling. Also younger for the class, not turning 18 until May of 2023.
Jelani McDonald is a big-framed safety prospect who could grow into a linebacker long-term. His size and high-end athleticism remind us of Jeremy Chinn. McDonald is an accomplished three-sport athlete who is also a standout in basketball and track. Chinn was a ball-hawking defensive back at the high school level.
Jelani McDonald - Connally - 2021 Junior Season Highlights
1/17/23
Jelani McDonald rises into top 50 of final On300 rankings
A three-sport star (basketball, track), McDonald has one of the more unique skill sets among defenders in the 2023 cycle. At the All-American Bowl, we saw the Texas signee effectively cover some of the top receivers in the cycle, despite having the frame of a potential linebacker.
1/07/23
Jelani McDonald a top performer at All-American Bowl week
A high school quarterback with the frame to grow into a linebacker, Jelani McDonald is a true ‘athlete’ prospect. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder lined up as an outside cornerback for the West team over the course of the week and was arguably the top defensive back on the team. McDonald was the On3 MVP for the West on day two, after showing impressive athleticism and coverage skills – particularly for a prospect of his size. A three-sport standout who also stars in basketball and track, McDonald committed to Texas during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game. He projects as a hybrid linebacker/safety in Austin. Given the considerable physical skills and coordination he showed at the All-American Bowl, McDonald appears to be one of the more intriguing, high upside defenders in the cycle.
