3-star LB Jayden McDonald commits to Iowa over Ole Miss

Despite begging and pleading with prospects to come in and play right away for a defense that needs linebackers in the worst way, Ole Miss just cannot catch a break. After feeling pretty good for the last few months about three-star Jayden McDonald and his prospects of signing with the good guys, he has decided to head North to Big Ten country and has committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The outside linebacker from Georgia was originally committed to Rutgers but chose to roll the dice, not sign early, and see if he could get some more offers before National Signing Day. And it paid off.
 
Jayden McDonald
@AthKyngJ
Suwanee ✈️Iowa City #Swarm18🐤#RIPAUNTWHIT #Bravo🙏🏽
8:24 PM - Feb 5, 2018 
2,392   646 people are talking about this

He then seemingly narrowed it down to Iowa, Kansas State, Ole Miss, and Purdue. He visited all four officially and ultimately decided he wanted to join Kirk Ferentz’s crew. Despite missing out, best of luck to Jayden in Iowa City. The folks over at Black Heart Gold Pants are great and so is Ferentz and his staff.

So now what?
The good thing is the Rebs signed three linebackers in December and have another committed in Kevontae’ Ruggs. So all is not lost. But, losing out on yet another high school target hurts. We’ve all seen this movie before. Blah blah blah.

The three Matt Luke signed in the early signing period are nothing to scoff at, mind you. Vernon Dasher was the No. 3 rated junior college outside linebacker and Jacquez Jones looks built to play tomorrow. And that’s good, because both might have to contribute early and often. The third, Jonathan Hess, is long and could grow into a defensive end, but the good news all three have SEC frames.

Now, will the Rebs push for Tahj Williams and Luke Knox to climb on board now that McDonald is headed for Iowa City? Me thinks so. Which would not be all that bad. Tahj is 6’1, 220 and Baby Fort Knox is 6’4, 210. If you ask me, all of that sounds pretty good. These last few days sure are fun, huh?

SOURCE: Berry, Zach. "​3-star LB Jayden McDonald commits to Iowa over Ole Miss."  Red Cup Rebellion, 5 February 2018, https://www.redcuprebellion.com/2018/2/5/16807356/ole-miss-football-recruiting-signing-day-2018-jayden-mcdonald-georgia-north-gwinnett-linebacker.