One last go for a standout linebacker
It’s time to start preparing for the 2025 Syracuse Orange football season. We’re going through the roster to take a look at each Syracuse player as we get to know a lot of new faces for Year 2 of the Fran Brown Era.
Next up is…
Name: Derek McDonald
Position: Linebacker
Year: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 232 lbs.
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
High School: Marist School
2024 stats: Appeared in all 13 games, starting seven at linebacker. Posted 55 tackles (fifth on team), two quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and 0.5 tackles for loss.
2025 projections: McDonald is a surefire Week 1 starter, most likely at the middle linebacker position. While he had a bit of a down year last season, the Georgia native is expected to be a focal point on defense and should compete for the team lead in tackles.
How’d he get here?: Chose the Orange over offers from UConn, Akron, Yale and Harvard.
What’d recruiting sites say?: Three stars across the board.
Winners Get Washed: Sweet Southern Scents Fierce Body Wash— The perfect combination for a southern boy about to take the ACC by storm in his final season.
Social Media Info:
X: @derekmcd21
Instagram: @derek_mcd81
Interesting nugget o’interest: While at the Marist School, McDonald earned Team MVP honors while leading the War Eagles to a 13-0 record and state championship in 2020.
Let’s get a look at ya: Highlights from his breakout sophomore season in 2023.