UCF Lands Football Commitment from Running Back Jordan McDonald

UCF running back commitment Jordan McDonald explained his reasons for why he committed to UCF over offers from programs around the country.

Brian Smith | Oct 23, 2021

UCF Lands Football Commitment from Running Back Jordan McDonald /

With the way that the Knights ran the football thus far in 2021, it’s not surprising that top running backs such as Jordan McDonald would be interested in joining the program.

The 6’1”, 220 pound talent from Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton spoke with Volunteer Country’s Matt Ray following Friday’s game, and Ray was kind enough to pass on the following comments from McDonald prior to him officially committing to the UCF Football program on Saturday.

As for McDonald’s final decision to choose UCF over offers from programs like South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisville and many others, he elaborated with regards to his overall bond with the UCF program.

“What put them (UCF) over the top was my relationship with (UCF Head Football Coach) Gus (Malzahn), especially his wife Kristi. Even during my unofficial visits over the summer, we were able to bond over little things like shoes and clothes and stuff like that.

“You could completely feel that family love right there. It was amazing. You could really feel the connection between me and the coaching staff. It was always great to see each other again. Then, with the fanbase, when you see them in person, fans would be like, ‘Jordan come take a picture with us!’ Chilling, listening to music and stuff, living it up. Those are the things that really put them over the top.”

So, when did McDonal know that UCF would be his future college?

“I truly really knew about three weeks ago. I sat down, looked at things, this is my fit, this is the school for me.”

You told UCF already, right?

“Coach Malzahn, he was ecstatic!”

You told him in person?

“Yes!”

So what’s it like to know that you are one of their top targets and to see how excited they were?

“It’s really special because coming out the gate, I feel like I can really make an impact my freshman year. I am definitely going to put in the work over the summer to cement that position (on the depth chart).

“(UCF Running Back) Coach (Tim) Harris and I have been talking about it all the time like, UCF, they run the running backs. They are a strong group there. It’s great and special for me to go up there.”

After six total touchdowns tonight, what is UCF getting in Jordan McDonald?

“UCF is getting everything I got, from start to finish. My entire time there, they are getting all of it. They’re getting the love, the passion for the game, the drive, the on-field things, they are getting my whole heart.”

Look for a full film breakdown of McDonald on Monday.

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