With the early signing period for high school football players beginning on December 18, Badgers Insider takes a closer look at the recruits that signed with the Wisconsin football program.
In this edition, we examine Hudson (WI) High School defensive lineman Cade McDonald.
Note: All notes and stats provided by uwbadgers.com
McDonald chose Wisconsin over other Offers from: Illinois State, North Dakota, and South Dakota
McDonald’s High School Accolades: Three–star recruit by 247 Sports and Rivals…All–state selection by Wisconsin Football Coaches Association as a senior
McDonald’s Impact as a Badger: McDonald was able to earn his offer from Wisconsin during one of the Badgers 2019 summer football camps.
During Wisconsin’s football camp he was able to work with Badger defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield. Allowing for Breckterfield to get a live evaluation of McDonald to see how he practiced, performed, and how he could apply what he was being coached on and translate it to the field.
Traditionally, Wisconsin brings in talented offensive lineman that are being recruited by the Badgers to their summer camps. If McDonald was getting the better of them in one-on-one situations in front of Breckterfield it has to speak to McDonald’s capabilities and potential at the defensive end position.
McDonald is listed at 6’7″ and 250 pounds as he’ll need to continue to gain weight and strength in order for him to compete in the trenches. McDonald plays with a strong motor allowing him to be able to disrupt the offense’s rhythm. In addition, thanks to his size he’ll have a chance of being able to deflect passes at the line of scrimmage.
With Isaiahh Loudermilk and Garrett Rand both heading into their senior seasons will allow for McDonald a chance at a year of development as he continues to gain weight and improve as a player. McDonald has the right tools to have success in Wisconsin’s football program but it may take him a year or two before he’s able to make a significant contribution.
Something the Wisconsin coaching staff is betting on considering McDonald had to make a sizable jump from his junior season to his senior season in order to gain the attention of Wisconsin’s coaching staff. If he can carry that work ethic over to Madison and continue to work hard he’ll have a chance of creating himself into an every down player for Wisconsin’s defensive line.