Iowa goes south, lands LB Jayden McDonald

Jayden McDonald had a very busy month of January. After re-opening his recruitment January 5, Rutgers dropped out and numerous other schools jumped in the race.

The 6-foot-1, 210 pound linebacker out of Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett took official visits to Iowa, Kansas State, Ole Miss and Purdue over the last three weeks.

Iowa had him on campus January 26 and the Hawkeyes convinced McDonald that they are the right school for him.

"It is Iowa," McDonald said. "It was a tough decision because all of those schools were great schools, but after talking it over with my parents Sunday, I finally made up my mind."

Ole Miss ended up the No. 2 school on McDonald's list, so what helped the Hawkeyes end up on top?

"The environment, the coaches, how they have been there all along and how they develop players are the biggest reasons why I chose Iowa.

"I had to see the bigger picture and where I would have the most success. I saw that at Iowa."

McDonald has gotten close to Iowa linebacker coach Seth Wallace and he played a role in the decision. Wallace has shown the new commit how he'd fit in at the WILL linebacker position.

"Me and coach Wallace have been talking since I was playing in the playoffs and we have a great connection," said McDonald. "He wants to use my speed in their defense."

When asked if this decision was final, McDonald said, "I am 100-percent with Iowa and I am signing with them Wednesday morning."