Decision Day: 4-star DT Kayden McDonald to reveal decision on Halloween
The recruiting finish line is in sight for Kayden McDonald, as the Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett senior is revealing his decision later today. An announcement is expected to take place at roughly 6:00 p.m. EST.
A priority Gators target at defensive tackle, the 6-foot-2, 325-pound McDonald will be choosing from Florida, Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State and Oklahoma. Dabo Swinney and the Tigers, according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, are trending with odds of 56.4 percent, while the Buckeyes check in at No. 2 with a percentage of 34 percent. Each finalist has received at least two visits from McDonald.
As for the Gators, they have received four visits in 2022 alone, including an official over the summer. The blue-chip defender was also in attendance for UF’s homecoming game vs. Missouri earlier this month.
Co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, Sean Spencer, is spearheading UF’s pursuit of McDonald. Billy Napier, Patrick Toney and Jamar Chaney are some additional staff members playing a role as well.
“I love Florida,” McDonald said of the Gators when they made his top five. “The academics, staff, it’s the SEC, and there are big games every Saturday in the Swamp. Coach Napier is building his team one player at a time. Coach Chaos coming from the NFL is a technician. We are real close. I’m comfortable with coach Chaos, coach Reid, coach Chaney, coach PT and pretty much all the staff.
“Me, my mom, and coach Napier are in a group chat and we talk to him all the time. He’s a players coach, and I like that. Definitely makes Florida a top school.”
Gators Online is hearing that McDonald’s mother is very much on board with UF as well. The Peach State native has done a good job of keeping his recruitment close to vest, so today’s decision could go in several directions and neither school would surprise me, but I don’t think UF receives the nod here.
I’m leaning slightly toward the Buckeyes edging out Clemson, but McDonald has everyone on their toes here. It will be interesting to see which school wins out later today.
According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, McDonald ranks as the No. 299 prospect overall and No. 40 defensive lineman.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
