Syracuse Signee Evaluation: Derek McDonald

What the Orange is getting in defensive end Derek McDonald

Mike McAllister | Dec 16, 2020

Syracuse Signee Evaluation: Derek McDonald /

Player: Derek McDonald

Position: Defensive End.

Note: McDonald also played tight end extensively in high school, but is being recruited by Syracuse as a defensive athlete who can play linebacker or defensive line. We are projecting him to wind up at defensive end, but that will not be set in stone until he arrives.

Height/Weight: 6-4, 230 lbs

School: Marist School (Atlanta, GA)

Other Notable Offers: Akron, Chattanooga, Connecticut, Villanova

Evaluation via SI All-American:

Frame: Long, well-distributed athlete with room to add mass to upper body and improve lateral quickness.

Athleticism: Two-way player with impeccable length and relentless play-style. Has the opportunity to play tight end or as a hybrid edge rusher at the next level. Explosive with his reach and punch on defense, and he moves well for his size but can improve short-area quickness.

Instincts: Anticipates well and is aware of his surroundings. He pursues effectively on defense, but will occasionally take a negative step.

Polish: Room to grow as frame continues to fill out and add mass and definition, but has a high ceiling because of his frame and versatility. Relentless play-style and he seems to enjoy contact. He can improve his lateral quickness and short-area bursts to improve his overall game.

Bottom Line: McDonald is a prospect who possesses a high-ceiling because of his versatility and frame. He displays a relentless play-style and excellent anticipation. He comes from a high profile program that produces complete players, and he appears to be on the right track. He will be a multi-year contributor at the Power 5 level.

Published Dec 16, 2020

MIKE MCALLISTER

Title: Publisher All Syracuse Education: Roberts Wesleyan College Location: Syracuse, New York Expertise: Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting. EXPERIENCE Mike McAllister has been covering Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting for more than a decade. Mike's career started with his own free blog as a way to vent following sporting events. Shortly thereafter, a network of basketball sites called Coast 2 Coast Hoops asked him to run their Syracuse site. That site was called Nation of Orange, and Mike quickly established it as a go-to for Syracuse fans. After running Nation of Orange for several months, a position with the Syracuse site on the Scout network became available. After one year as the recruiting expert with Cuse Nation, he was named the publisher. Mike oversaw the transition from Scout to 247Sports, and ran the site on that network for years. Presented with the opportunity to join one of the biggest names in the sports journalism industry, Sports Illustrated, Mike jumped at the chance. All Syracuse was started from scratch by Mike and the Fan Nation team. It has now become a staple for Orange fans of various sports. Mike has broken news on recruiting, Syracuse basketball and football team information and has established himself as the top recruiting inside in the market. He has appeared on local radio shows, television broadcasts, national radio shows and much more. Mr. McAllister has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Information Management from Roberts Wesleyan College.