Virginia Tech transfer linebacker Jayden McDonald is slated to visit Boulder on Friday, May 2, and it’s a name Buffs fans should keep an eye on.
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McDonald, a 6-foot-4, 232-pound hybrid who transitioned from defensive back to linebacker, brings versatility and real production when healthy. The Salem, Virginia native has played in 25 career games with eight starts, recording 50 total tackles, 3.0 TFLs, and a sack during his time in Blacksburg.
In 2023, he started five games and put up 30 tackles, showing off range and downhill speed. His 2024 season was unfortunately cut short after just two games due to injury.
What makes him intriguing for CU? He’s the kind of rangy athlete this staff loves, someone who can drop in coverage like a safety but still bring pressure off the edge. That hybrid skillset could fit beautifully into Charles Kelly’s evolving scheme.
Colorado went 9-4 in the 2024 season, making their first bowl appearance in years. They could take another step in 2025, and McDonald has the tools to be one of those key pieces.