Will McDonald deserves more recognition.

[t-noah]

McDonald is the most talented edge rusher I've seen at ISU. He has a unique build, which makes him difficult to project. He won't have the advantage of having Bailey on the other side next season, but I don't think it will matter much. He's a stud and could be one of our highest draft picks ever.

Who do we have coming up, or in your opinion will replace Bailey?

 

[SolarGarlic]

Who do we have coming up, or in your opinion will replace Bailey?

Just a guess, but I think McDonald will replace Bailey at LEO, and then opposite you have Peterson with a lot of experience and young talent in Suttle and Johnny Wilson. I'm no expert when it comes to projecting positions and styles/body types, but would start there.

 

[isucy86]

Will is a stud pass rusher, but he will get overlooked because he is a situational rush DE. So his playing time will be impacted game-to-game based on if opponent is run/pass dominant or down/distance during a game.

He is listed on the ISU roster at 230 lbs. and the announcer during game said he was 225lbs. So obviously his weigh is going to limit his projection as an NFL DE.

IMO there are 2 directions for McDonald to maximize his snaps:

1. As his body matures can he put on 20lbs this offseason in an Andrews S&C program and enhanced nutrition.
2. Can the magician Jon Heacock figure a way to get a 230-240lb McDonald on the field as a LB in ISU's 3-3-5 scheme on 1 & 2nd down. Some of this is contingent on if Rose, Vance and Hummel all return next year.

I seem to remember the staff tried to do the latter going into the 2019 season, but it never materialized.

Agree with an earlier poster that McDonald would probably project as a LB in a 3-4 scheme at the NFL level as a pass rushing LB.

 

[FeedBreece]

He reminds me a lot of Brian Burns. Since he's firmly at DE he needs to have a good offseason and gain 10 pounds. If he proves himself as a run defender next year he's going to make some money.

Uh oh @JP4CY it looks like we have a Florida State fan in here!

 

[BCClone]

McDonald is the most talented edge rusher I've seen at ISU. He has a unique build, which makes him difficult to project. He won't have the advantage of having Bailey on the other side next season, but I don't think it will matter much. He's a stud and could be one of our highest draft picks ever.

He is similar to berryman.

 

[isucy86]

Just a guess, but I think McDonald will replace Bailey at LEO, and then opposite you have Peterson with a lot of experience and young talent in Suttle and Johnny Wilson. I'm no expert when it comes to projecting positions and styles/body types, but would start there.

With a 3-3-5 scheme all the DL have to be pretty good sized for the defense to be stout against the run. JaQuan is 260 lbs and I don't think McDonald can get that size in the off season.

 

[SolarGarlic]

With a 3-3-5 scheme all the DL have to be pretty good sized for the defense to be stout against the run. JaQuan is 260 lbs and I don't think McDonald can get that size in the off season.

That's a good point. He's better suited as the LEO in a 4-3, which is the defense he was recruited for and what Campbell initially planned to use. But the success of the 3-3-5 probably means it's here to stay.

 

[cyclones12321]

Is it me, or does this guy get zero attention/recognition?

This guy leads the power five in sacks this season with 9.5 (at least did before bowl games, will check again post bowl) and I’ve heard crickets about him nationally.

I don’t even always hear much about him locally. Normally we give more of the recognition to Jaquan since he’s been here for so long. Which deservedly so, he’s been a great player.

But Will has been on an absolute tear since late last season. I don’t know if I’ve ever remembered us having a guy as quick and explosive as he is on the edge. What do you think the reason is that he gets overlooked? Because he’s not technically a starter and often sees less snaps?

He’ll get his this next year