How Jelani McDonald fits in Texas' loaded linebacker class
On Saturday at the 2023 All-American Bowl, Texas added perhaps its final commitment of the cycle in Waco (Texas) Connally linebacker Jelani McDonald. The addition boosts the total number of linebackers in the class to five.
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Given modern schemes in which there are often only two off-ball linebackers on the field, five would seem like a rather large class, but the parts fit so well together the class size makes a lot of sense. That’s a testament to the individual quality of each signee, but especially McDonald’s uniqueness as a prospect that forced Texas to have room for him. He must be good if he can add something to the current room.
McDonald was on the West team with one of his future linebacker teammates, Anthony Hill. Tausili Akana was also considered a linebacker, however he’s an Edge in college and doesn’t count as a linebacker in UT’s class.
Let’s look at the versatility each linebacker signee brings to the table.
But first, a glimpse at the raw athleticism of the newest addition.
Jelani McDonald, Waco (Texas) Connally
On3 Consensus No. 137
Chess pieces: Will, Mike, Safety
He’s the most athletic of the five, evidenced by playing defensive back in the All-American bowl and quarterback in high school. He’s equal parts DeMarvion Overshown with his length and athleticism and Morice Blackwell with his positional versatility.
There’s an outside chance McDonald could end up at safety, but usually a player’s position is decided by how his body develops. It’s expected McDonald will easily build toward linebacker. Another data point that favors linebacker is McDonald is highly regarded for his football disposition. He’ll have no problem trading paint in the hashes.
What if Overshown was put on an earlier path to linebacker and had four years under this staff? We’re going to find out.
Anthony Hill, Denton (Texas) Ryan
On3 Consensus No. 15
Chess pieces: Will, Mike, Edge
Where as McDonald glides in all directions, Hill is a downhill hammer who will be allowed to focus on blitzing and getting after the ball carrier. He’ll provide a physical presence the moment he arrives on campus, which is in a matter of hours now.
Based solely on traits, it’s possible Hill develops into more of an edge rushing Buck over time, but it’s more likely his qualities are applied to Will.
Derion Gullette, Teague (Texas)
On3 Consensus No. 136
Chess pieces: Will, Edge
Gullette is an exceptional athlete but he’s rehabbing a torn ACL and is a bit raw as a linebacker. The plan was to play him off the edge while teaching him the intricacies of linebacker play. It’s a good plan, but he may prove so explosive off the edge it’ll be hard to transition him to Will.
He’s similar to Hill in that he could play Edge but he’s also an explosive glider like McDonald, only bigger.
Liona Lefau, Kahuku (Hawaii)
On3 Consensus No. 404
Chess pieces: Mike, Will
He’s one of the most underrated prospects in the class. While others have projections that could take them outside of linebacker, Lefau’s versatility plays within linebacker. He has the ability in coverage, leadership, and intelligence to play Mike in reaction to what offenses are doing, while also having the ‘point and shoot’ athleticism the coaches like having at their disposal to make offenses react to them.
The biggest position battle of fall camp will be for Overshown’s vacated Will position, and along with Hill, Lefau will be a big part of it.
S’Maje Burrell, Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley
On3 Consensus No. 283
Chess pieces: Mike, Will
Burrell mixes an old school inside linebacker build with the modern movement skills needed to survive at the position. Like others, he has the intangibles required to command the defensive side of the ball. He can be a wrecking ball between the tackles but he has surprising athleticism for his barrel chested build.
That’s a wrap on the 2023 Texas linebacker class. Because of how versatile and talented the players are, the large class makes a lot of sense. In one cycle, the coaches redirected the trajectory of the position and set themselves up for success for years to come, perhaps at multiple positions.
