Signed: Ohio State adds disruptor in the trenches with Kayden McDonald
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2023 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Kayden McDonald has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Ohio State just got stronger in the trenches defensively, thanks to the addition of defensive lineman Kayden McDonald.
McDonald waited until Halloween to pledge to the Buckeyes. He said Clemson was a close second in his recruitment, and Michigan wasn’t that far off, either. But Ohio State got a hold of the Northern Georgia native early and didn’t take its foot off the gas.
The North Gwinnett product signed his National Letter of Intent to Ohio State Wednesday.
What does it mean for the Buckeyes? Let’s check it out.
Who is Kayden McDonald?
Kayden McDonald is a four-star defensive tackle from Suwanee, Georgia, and he played his high school ball at North Gwinnett. He committed to the Buckeyes on Oct. 31, 2022. McDonald held 33 offers, but he chose Ohio State over Clemson and Michigan, among other storied Power Five programs.
On3 Consensus Ranking: Four-star, No. 284 overall, No. 38 DL, No. 25 Georgia
On3 Ranking: Three-star, N/A overall, No. 63 DL, No. 65 Georgia
Hometown: Suwanee, Georgia
High school: North Gwinnett
McDonald has more than just size. The 6-foot-2, 325-pound D-Lineman has production, too. He posted 68 tackles — including 54 solos — 13 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries and one pass defended during his senior season at North Gwinnett. He finished his high school career with 234 total tackles — 180 of which were solos — 131 TFLs and 46 sacks.
McDonald is one of three D-Linemen in Ohio State’s 2023 class. The others are Jason Moore and Will Smith Jr. Moore is the No. 86 overall prospect, and Smith is the No. 211 overall prospect, per On3.
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Moore has the best chance of the trio to play right away, but, given how much defensive line coach Larry Johnson rotates the Buckeyes defensive front, depth is key.
How did McDonald end up at Ohio State?
McDonald took his official visit to Ohio State the weekend of the Wisconsin game on Sept. 24. It was his second game-day visit with the Buckeyes — he had an unofficial the year before on Oct. 30 for the Penn State game.
Head coach Ryan Day, cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, Johnson and Knowles made an in-home visit to McDonald on Dec. 4. Michigan and Clemson were both in play for McDonald, but he went with Ohio State.
“It was a tough decision, but Ohio State is the school,” McDonald said of his commitment in late October via On3. “My relationship with Larry Johnson pushed the Buckeyes to the top. I see coach Johnson and Ryan Day not only as coaches but mentors.
“They will push me, help me, and develop me on and off the field.”
