T.J. McDonald, Senior, Safety, USC
Overview:
Entering his senior season, McDonald already has 23 starts under his belt. He earned the starting role as a sophomore and never relinquished it. Last season he recorded 67 tackles, good for third on the team, a team high three interceptions, recovered a fumbled and even blocked a punt. He is a Jim Thorpe Award candidate as well. He has six career interceptions and 163 tackles, 5.5 of them for a loss. Now as a three year starter, McDonald, a premier safety, is looking to anchor a National Championship caliber defense for the Trojans this season.
Final Projection:
McDonald is a feared safety for the Trojans. He is an experienced starter who has great instincts. If you go over the middle he will hit you as hard as anyone. He also plays center field well and can close on the ball quickly, as shown by his six career interceptions. He is very physical and strong. In the changing scheme of the NFL, safeties are evolving. They now need to be able to cover like a corner and hit like a linebacker. That requires a rare combination of size and speed. At 6’3, 205 pounds McDonald is an ideal player and has a chance to be a first round choice.
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