35 Facts About CJ Donaldson

Early Life and High School Career

CJ Donaldson Jr. has made waves in college football, but his journey began in Miami, Florida.

1. CJ Donaldson Jr. was born on July 9, 2004, in Miami, Florida.
2. He attended Gulliver Preparatory School, where he played wide receiver and tight end under coach Earl Sims.
3. In his senior year, Donaldson caught 81 passes for 1,164 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping Gulliver Prep reach the Florida 4A state regional final.
4. Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN, he was ranked No. 152 nationally at tight end and No. 147 player in Florida by ESPN.

College Recruitment and Position Change

Donaldson's college journey took some unexpected turns, starting with his recruitment and a significant position change.

5. Initially committed to play college football at Tulane but later de-committed and signed with West Virginia University.
6. Recruited to play tight end but moved to running back during preseason training camp.

College Career Statistics and Achievements

Donald's stats and accolades at West Virginia University highlight his impressive performance on the field.

7. Over three seasons at West Virginia, Donaldson amassed 2,058 rushing yards and scored 30 touchdowns across 421 carries.
8. In the 2023 season alone, he had 798 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns, making him one of the premier running backs in the Big 12 Conference.
9. Additionally, Donaldson had 190 receiving yards and one touchdown, showcasing his versatility on the field.
10. Named the Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Week for week 1 after rushing for 125 yards and one touchdown on seven carries against Pittsburgh.
11. Earned Academic All-Big 12 Conference Second Team honors in both his sophomore and junior years.

Overcoming Challenges and Injuries

Donaldson faced and overcame several challenges, including injuries that tested his resilience.

12. Overcame injuries that plagued his earlier seasons, demonstrating resilience and determination in his career.
13. In a recent game, he showcased his potential by rushing for 96 yards and two touchdowns, highlighting both his physicality and speed.
14. Had a long run of 82 yards in his freshman year, which was the second-longest by a freshman in program history.
15. Recorded four multi-touchdown performances in his career, including a season-high eight touchdowns in his freshman year.
16. Achieved seven 100-yard rushing games in his career, demonstrating consistent performance on the field.

Leadership and Team Contributions

Donaldson's leadership and contributions have been crucial to his team's success.

17. Helped West Virginia secure eligibility for a bowl game, marking an important team achievement and personal milestone.
18. Head coach Neal Brown praised Donaldson's growth in adapting to the running back role after starting as a tight end.
19. Played in 19 career games and started 10, showcasing his reliability and importance to the team.
20. Started nine games in the 2023 season, leading WVU in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
21. Averaged 8.0 yards per carry in his freshman year, indicating his speed and effectiveness on the field.
22. Had nine receptions for 27 yards in his freshman year, adding another dimension to his game.
23. Had a long reception of nine yards in his freshman year, contributing to his overall performance.

Career Highlights and Milestones

Donaldson's career is marked by several standout performances and milestones.

24. Totaled 106 yards on a career-high 23 carries at Virginia Tech and rushed nine times for 101 yards with three touchdowns against Towson.
25. Scored in nine straight games during the season and in 10 of 13 games, demonstrating his consistency and impact on the team.
26. Sustained a season-ending lower leg injury against TCU in his freshman year, which forced him to miss the remainder of the season.
27. After recovering from injuries, Donaldson demonstrated significant improvement in his performance, showcasing his resilience and determination.
28. Had 19 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns in a breakout performance.
29. Recorded three runs of over 10 yards, with a long of 31 yards in a single game.
30. Scored two touchdowns in a single game, highlighting his scoring ability.

Personal Life and Future Prospects

Beyond football, Donaldson has a rich personal life and promising future.

31. Son of Tyneshia Fleming.
32. One of three children (one brother, one sister).
33. Majoring in finance.
34. Decided to transfer to Ohio State University for the 2025 football season.
35. His significant contribution included 734 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns last season, demonstrating his potential as a lead back.

CJ Donaldson's Bright Future

CJ Donaldson Jr. has shown incredible talent and versatility on the football field. From his high school days at Gulliver Prep to his standout performances at West Virginia University, he's proven himself as a formidable player. His transition from tight end to running back highlights his adaptability and determination. With impressive stats like 2,058 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns over three seasons, Donaldson's impact is undeniable.

His decision to transfer to Ohio State University for the 2025 season marks an exciting new chapter. Fans and coaches eagerly await his contributions to the Buckeyes. Overcoming injuries and earning accolades like Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Week, Donaldson's resilience is commendable. As he continues his journey, there's no doubt CJ Donaldson Jr. will keep making headlines and achieving new milestones in college football. His future looks incredibly promising.