40 Facts About Will Mcdonald Iv

Early Life and High School Achievements

Will McDonald IV's journey to the NFL began in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. His early years were marked by impressive athletic achievements across multiple sports.

1. Birthdate and Hometown: Born on June 4, 1999, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, McDonald IV's roots are firmly planted in the Midwest.

2. High School Career: He started at Casimir Pulaski High School before transferring to Waukesha North High School, where he excelled in basketball, track and field, and football.

3. High School Achievements: Named the 2018 Classic 8 Player of the Year in basketball, he also earned two-time all-region selection honors. In track and field, he won the discus championship and placed third in the high jump.

College Recruitment and Career at Iowa State

McDonald IV's talent caught the attention of college scouts, leading him to Iowa State University, where he made a significant impact.

4. College Recruitment: Rated a three-star recruit by ESPN and 247Sports, he was ranked as the third-best player from Wisconsin and the 47th best weakside defensive end in the nation.

5. College Career at Iowa State: After high school, McDonald IV joined Iowa State University, where he quickly became a standout player for the Cyclones.

6. Redshirt Freshman Season: In his redshirt freshman year, he recorded three tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble in four games before redshirting the rest of the season.

7. Redshirt Sophomore Season: He set a school record and tied for the national lead with 10.5 sacks, earning first-team All-Big 12 Conference honors.

8. Redshirt Junior Season: Breaking his previous single-season sack record and the Iowa State career sacks record, he solidified his reputation as a top defensive end prospect.

9. College Honors and Awards: McDonald IV earned multiple First-Team All-Big 12 Conference selections (2020, 2021, 2022) and a Second-Team All-American selection by CBS Sports in 2021.

10. Senior Bowl Participant: He showcased his skills to NFL scouts and coaches at the Reese's Senior Bowl in 2022.

NFL Draft and Professional Career

McDonald IV's transition to the NFL was marked by his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft and his subsequent performance with the New York Jets.

11. NFL Draft Selection: The New York Jets selected him as the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

12. Height and Weight: Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.92 meters) and weighing 239 pounds (108 kilograms), he has the physical attributes of a top defensive end.

13. Arm Length and Hand Span: With an arm length of 34.875 inches (0.89 meters) and a hand span of 9.5 inches (0.24 meters), he has the reach to disrupt plays.

14. 40-Yard Dash Time: His 40-yard dash time of 4.70 seconds showcases his speed for a defensive end.

15. 10-Yard Split and 20-Yard Split: Achieving a 10-yard split of 1.63 seconds and a 20-yard split of 2.65 seconds, he demonstrates quick acceleration off the line.

16. 20-Yard Shuttle and Three-Cone Drill: Completing the 20-yard shuttle in 4.22 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.85 seconds, he shows agility and change-of-direction speed.

17. Vertical Jump and Broad Jump: Recording a vertical jump of 36 inches (0.91 meters) and a broad jump of 11 feet (3.35 meters), he exhibits explosive athleticism.

18. College Statistics: In his final season at Iowa State, he logged 519 snaps, 27 tackles, 5 assists, and 24 stops, along with 25 total pressures, including 16 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and 6 sacks.

19. Professional Career with the New York Jets: In his rookie season, he played in 15 games, recording 9 tackles, 5 assists, and 14 combined tackles, along with 8 solo tackles and 3 sacks.

20. Career Stats: As of the end of his rookie season, he had 14 combined tackles, 8 solo tackles, and 3 sacks, along with one forced fumble and one pass defensed.

Training and Mentorship

McDonald IV's dedication to improving his skills is evident in his training and mentorship efforts.

21. Training and Offseason Preparation: He has been training with Jermaine Johnson during the offseason to hone his skills.

22. Seeking Advice from Maxx Crosby: He sought advice from Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, known for his pass-rushing prowess.

23. First Sack in the NFL: McDonald IV recorded his first NFL sack against the Los Angeles Chargers in his rookie season.

Personal Life and Family

Family plays a crucial role in McDonald IV's life, providing support throughout his football journey.

24. Family Background: His parents, Wilbert McDonald and Chandra Williams, have been instrumental in his life and career.

25. Athleticism and Work Ethic: Known for his speed, agility, and flexibility, McDonald IV's consistent effort makes him a valuable defensive asset.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Despite his talents, McDonald IV faces challenges that he must address to reach his full potential.

26. Position Flexibility: Primarily a pass-rushing defensive end, he can set the edge on perimeter runs but may need to add size for certain defensive schemes.

27. Size Concerns: At 239 pounds, he is lighter than most four-man front players, making him vulnerable to bigger tackles if his initial get-off fails.

28. Missed Tackles: Known to miss more tackles than he should, often due to abandoning responsibilities against the run in pursuit of sacks.

29. Instincts Against the Run: Sometimes shows poor instincts when locating the ball against the run, leading to being taken out of the game with double teams or overwhelmed by bigger tackles.

30. Scouting Report Weaknesses: Eager to get upfield, he often abandons run responsibilities. Limited lower body strength makes it difficult to power through on bull rushes.

31. Elite Athletic Skills: While impressive, his athletic skills did not display elite abilities at the NFL Combine, with a vertical jump of 36 inches being lower than expected.

32. Older Prospect: At 24 during the 2023 season, he is considered older compared to other defensive ends, offering more experience but potentially less physical development.

Pass-Rushing Skills and Future Potential

McDonald IV's pass-rushing skills and potential make him a promising player for the Jets and the NFL.

33. Pass-Rushing Skills: Possessing a wide array of pass-rushing skills, he consistently produces pressures and sacks, showcasing his ability to get to the quarterback.

34. Year-One Role: Initially expected to serve as a pass-rush role player, scouts see him as an eventual three-down player by his second year.

35. Draft Position: Despite being selected 15th overall, some scouts believed he could have been drafted as late as the second round, indicating concerns about his fit and potential.

36. NFL Network Praise: Analyst Daniel Jeremiah praised his bend ability, stating he has the best bend of any edge rusher in the draft, allowing him to flatten his rush path and create pressure.

Jets' First-Round Pick and Fan Favorite

As the Jets' first-round pick, McDonald IV has quickly become a fan favorite, known for his enthusiasm and potential.

37. Jets’ First-Round Pick: As the Jets’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, he was a highly anticipated addition to the team, featured in various media outlets.

38. Jets’ Roster: Listed as EDGE #99 on the New York Jets’ roster, he has played in 15 games, contributing to the team’s defensive efforts.

39. Career Goals: Despite being a first-round pick, he aims to bring everything he can to the Jets and contribute to the team’s success.

40. Fan Favorite: Quickly becoming a fan favorite among Jets supporters, his flair for the spectacular and enthusiasm for hitting people have made him beloved in the NFL community.

Will McDonald IV: A Rising Star in the NFL

Will McDonald IV has already made waves in the NFL with his impressive athleticism and relentless drive. Selected 15th overall by the New York Jets in the 2023 NFL Draft, this defensive end from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, has shown he’s got what it takes to compete at the highest level. From his standout college career at Iowa State to his promising rookie season, McDonald IV’s journey is just beginning. With his speed, agility, and knack for getting to the quarterback, he’s poised to become a key player for the Jets. Sure, he’s got some areas to work on, like improving his run defense and adding some size, but his potential is undeniable. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he’ll continue to develop and make his mark in the league. Keep an eye on this rising star.