2023 four-star Jelani McDonald picks Texas

The Longhorns needed athleticism at linebacker in the 2023 cycle. They got even more of it in Waco (Texas) Connally four-star Jelani McDonald, who became the fifth off-ball linebacker in Texas’ class.

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The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder picked the Longhorns over TCU, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State. The former OSU commit recently took his official visit to Texas.

“I just really like coach (Jeff) Choate and the opportunities Texas can open,” McDonald told Inside Texas. “Choate, that’s my guy. When I went on my official, I sat through the film sessions with the coaches and players. That was something I felt I needed so I could see how the college game works. It was really easy to pick Texas. It’s everything, really.” 

On3 lists him as an linebacker but he could end up playing a number of roles in Austin, especially after playing cornerback during the All-American Bowl this week in San Antonio.

He joins linebackers Derion Gullette, S’Maje Burrell, Anthony Hill Jr., and Liona Lefau in the Longhorns’ 2023 class.

McDonald is the No. 137 overall prospect and No. 12 linebacker in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 30 player in Texas.

On3 rates McDonald higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2023 On300, he is the No. 82 overall prospect, No. 5 linebacker and No. 19 player in Texas.

A 6-foot-2.5, 190-pound prospect, McDonald has an On3 NIL Valuation of $116K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Jelani McDonald On3 Scouting Summary

“Gifted multi-sport and multi-positional athlete with a big frame and considerable growth potential. Measured over 6-foot-2, and a lean 190 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. Remains to be seen where he ends up at the next level, but projects as a back seven defender. Could play corner, 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.”

How he fits at Texas:

McDonald is a curious prospect for college football. At 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-6 wingspan he’s long and wiry with a ton of natural athleticism. His high school uses him as a nickel where he can cover ground and use his length to clog passing windows or to rush the passer when he’s sent over the edge. That sort of position doesn’t exactly exist in Texas’ defense. They’ve used DeMarvion Overshown some in that fashion as a Will but the skill set would probably translate best if he could grow into an Edge or if he can handle going backwards well enough to play as a boundary safety. – Ian Boyd

Coach Says:

Strengths — Great height and frame to add bulk as a defensive end. Good top end speed and exceptional lower body strength. In run defense shows good anticipation and delivers a good pop on the ball carrier transferring power from his lower body through his pads. Limited pass rush highlights show persistent effort and active hands. Special teams contributor. Looks like he has soft hands. Ultra competitive.

Areas for Improvement — Position is unclear, but I see him as a safety or hybrid linebacker type. Special teams highlights show a great return after a horrible decision to field the kick. Would like to see agility testing.

How this affects Texas:

McDonald is the quintessential senior breakout prospect. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, On3’s No. 5 linebacker in the class of 2023 plays quarterback for Connally, led the basketball team to a 31-4 year in 2021-2022, and won the 4A triple jump title at the state track meet in Austin last May. McDonald holds offers from Texas, Ole Miss, Arkansas, SMU, and Texas Tech. The On3 four-star is the No. 82 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle and No. 19 overall prospect in Texas, according to On3’s rankings. – Justin Wells