McDonald built on his successful 2007 season (55 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, four sacks) by starting his senior season strong, getting attention from scouts and media outlets across the country. The first-team All-Conference USA pick (39 tackles, seven sacks) hit a snag, when he was injured against Louisville midway through the season. McDonald's build, athletic testing, and scouts' reviews of early season film will likely cause his stock to rise.

Played for Coach Johnny Watson at Jacksonville High...Lettered three years in football...Named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette 5-A top prospect list...Helped squad to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the state playoffs...Was a two-time all-conference honoree...Chosen as 5-A Outstanding Lineman...Also selected to the 5-A All-State team...Holds the school record in the fire clean at 325 pounds...Talented athlete who also lettered in basketball and threw the shot put in track.

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Positives: Wide-chested with strong builds in the upper and lower body. ... Good, not great, first step off the ball. ... Has very good straight-line speed to chase down backs down the line and from behind. ... When lined up in a three-technique, he shows a real burst off the ball and a nice spin move off either shoulder. ... Works hard as a pass rusher if he sees even a slight opening. ... Has a strong punch but needs to use it more often. ... Has the strength to hold off linemen with one shoulder and stay upright when slanting or in the three-technique spot.

Negatives: Short and a bit smaller than scouts prefer for nose tackle, but adequate for a three-technique. ... Can be engulfed and pushed back by larger guards. ... Stays upright against double teams, but usually only gets off to make tackles five or six yards downfield. ... Gets a little push into the pocket, but usually gets stopped by a good anchor when bull-rushing. ... Must improve his hand technique to get off blocks inside. ... Does not hustle or chase as much as you'd think given his athleticism. ... Will whiff in the backfield but has good change-of-direction skills to recover. ... Six of his seven sacks in 2008 came against Arkansas State and UAB, two squads without a lot of cachet with scouts. ... Medical report on his severely sprained left ankle is important in determining his final grade.

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