Scouting Journals for Jelani McDonald

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.

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.

Jelani McDonald has one of the most impressive athletic profiles in the 2023 cycle. He’s a state champion long-jumper with a 48-2 foot leap along with a personal best of 6-6 in the high jump. McDonald also stars on the basketball court, where he was district MVP as a junior. That’s all in addition to his exploits in football, where he stars as a quarterback for Waco (Texas) Connally. The athleticism coincides with a unique frame. McDonald is over 6-foot-2, 190 pounds with a 6-foot-6 wing-span. He’ll need to hone in on a position at the next level and could end up as a safety or linebacker depending on how his frame fills out. Regardless, we view McDonald as a high upside type given his athleticism and size.