4-star DT Kayden McDonald has Gators in final five, sets commitment date
Five schools remain for Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett defensive lineman Kayden McDonald.
According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, the 2023 prospect is down to Florida, Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State and Oklahoma. He will be making his highly-anticipated commitment on Halloween as well.
According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that accounts for all four major recruiting sites, McDonald is a four-star prospect and the No. 43-ranked defensive lineman. He is also the No. 314 prospect regardless of position.
“It’s a blessing to be recruited,” McDonald told Fawcett. “I’m grateful for all the coaches that are recruiting me.”
Clemson, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, is the program trending with odds of 61.9 percent, but Florida is one that needs to be monitored closely as well.
Billy Napier’s program could very well be the leader behind the scenes and received three visits over the summer, including an official. The Gators are receiving another visit this Saturday as well, so the upcoming meeting could have a major effect on the Georgia native’s final decision.
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 staff members heavily involved as well.
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Why McDonald has the Gators in his final five
“I love Florida,” McDonald told Fawcett. “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.”
Other than Oklahoma and Clemson, each of McDonald’s finalists have received an official visit. The Buckeyes and Wolverines just played host during the month of September.
At the midpoint of his senior campaign, McDonald has accounted for 34 tackles (29 solo), 20 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two fumble recoveries. He has also recorded six rushing touchdowns and is averaging 5.1 yards per carry at nearly 320 pounds.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
![Florida s Ron Roberts will serve as executive head coach, co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Roberts was coaching drills Saturday. The Florida Gators held their second Spring football practice at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, March 9, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/07/30115745/Untitled-design-20-2.png)
