Jake McDonough has become the third and highest rated commitment for the Class of 2008. With six players with junior status or less on the roster from Valley HS in West Des Moines, McDonough will be sure to fit in.
As a junior in 2006, McDonough had 63 tackles and 9 sacks as a strongside defensive end. He's the fourth rated recruit in the state of Iowa and the 45th ranked defensive end recruit in the country. He chose ISU over Kansas, Kansas State, Louisville, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Iowa. McDonough was the top remaining uncommitted recruit in the state according to Rivals. The 6-6, 235 senior-to-be still has time to fill out, as the redshirt status for him is unknown, but Scout has this to say about Jake:
McDonough, who is rated as the No. 26 player in the Midland Regional rankings, earned Scout.com All-Combine honors after a successful performance at the Scout.com All-American Combine in Kansas City.
McDonough held offers from Iowa State and Kansas, with interest from Iowa, Kansas State, and Nebraska.
McDonough is a raw athlete who is just beginning to learn how to play the defensive end position, but has the ability to be a great one with time. He is blazing fast off of the edge.
Speed is what the Tampa 2 will require, so chances are he'll have a chance at playing time. Scout is really high on his quickness and athleticism, while saying his technique needs improvement. More stats from Scout:
40-Yard Dash: 4.91
Short Shuttle: 4.75
3-Cone: 8.03
McDonough seems like a solid instate grab for Gene and company. He's maintaining commitment ties with Valley while grabbing a solid lineman prospect with good speed.
2008 class:
Jake McDonough - DE - 3 stars
Russell Ellington - LB - 2 stars
Ethan Tuftee - OL - 0 stars