Interview: College Coaches Overlooking 2017 California QB Matt McDonald

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

If elephants never forget, college recruiters would be on the opposite end of the spectrum being among the first to forget. Short and long term memory failure is leading to college coaches missing out on Class of 2017 quarterback Matt McDonald.

Buzz around southern California in 2014 was all about a sophomore quarterback for Mater Dei High School. The Monarchs then had senior Jack Lowary in the pocket, but there was a guy everyone was high on waiting his turn. An injury to said quarterback in 2015 ended up with a lot of colleges forgetting about the abilities of the 6-2.5, 204 pound, talent. A transfer in the off-season from Mater Dei to Mission Viejo opened up new opportunities for McDonald but college coaches somehow are still missing out.

In 2014, McDonald got action in three games completing 4-of-4 passes for 29 yards. Nothing prolific about it, but his accuracy then was something that would stay throughout. In 2015, McDonald got action in five games before his injury, but hit 25-of-40 passes for 217 yards connecting on 63 percent of his attempts. He also added dual-threat potential to his growing resume tucking the ball 17 times for 174 yards with two scores.

All of the what ifs and second-guessing were put to rest during McDonald’s 2016 season when the senior nailed 136-of-211 pass attempts for 2,764 yards with 39 touchdowns against just eight picks. His completion percentage remained high at an average of 64 percent per try putting in a first team All-League kind of season. His dual-threat abilities really started to take hold carrying the rock 39 times for 235 yards with four more scores posted. All of the activity on the field helped the Diablos to an 11-1 mark ripping through the South Coast during the regular season. Mission Viejo had a two-game run into the playoffs dropping Servite (49-28) in the opener before falling to highly ranked Rancho Cucamonga (34-25) in the second round.

College coaches surveying the west coast for a cerebral gunslinger in the pocket who can run if needed are still sailing past McDonald. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with McDonald covering his senior season and recruiting process to date.

Interview

Matt, in the opening round of the playoffs you guys got Servite. For you, knowing their starting quarterback, Tyler Lytle, is a Colorado commit, did that give you extra motivation in the game?

“Yeah, it did actually. I throw with him, we have the same QB coach. We are good buddies but that was motivation to show that I can compete with a D-I quarterback.”

You had a great game against the Friars going 16-of-19 for 329 yards with five touchdowns. What clicked for you in that game that allowed you to play so well?

“I think everything came together. We had a great game plan, my line gave me time, and my skill players made great plays. We should have played like that in every game.”

You completed 15 passes against a very good Rancho Cucamonga team for 284 yards with three scores. How did that game go for you overall?

“It was alright, not the outcome we wanted. Their DBs were very good. We were all disappointed with the loss. We thought we could play better. It is hard to win if you have five turnovers and 10-plus penalties called against you.”

Playing against four Division-I talents in the Cougars secondary had to be a learning lesson. What is something you took away from that game that will make you a better quarterback at the next level?

“I think just the experience. All of those guys will start at the next level at some point in their career. That will prepare me for the next level.”

You transferred from Mater Dei in the off-season to Mission Viejo, what were some of the challenges for you working with a new set of guys and learning a new playbook heading into your senior year?

“I got to Mission in January or February, I was acclimated to the culture there by the time the season came around. Basically the hardest thing was learning the offense. I was meeting with Rob Johnson, our offensive coordinator, every day. It was a pretty swift transition.”

How do you describe your playing abilities on the field?

“I consider myself an athletic pocket passer. I can run if I have to and I can extend plays with my feet.”

What are parts of your game that you feel are on par with any other quarterback in the 2017 class?

“Let me think… I think my strengths are my accuracy, especially on the deep ball – I have great arm strength, and reading defenses. When stuff breaks down I’m extending the play hitting open guys or taking off running for the first down.”

You mentioned earlier that you work with a QB coach, who is your quarterback coach?

“Adam Dedeaux. He is with 3DQB.”

What will you work on in the off-season?

“I want to put on 10 to 15 pounds to get ready for college. I’m working on movement in the pocket. You can always work on your accuracy and arm strength. Once I figure out where I am going, I will work on the playbook and be prepared as possible for college.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“The two schools showing the most are Utah and Boston College.”

Have you taken any official visits yet?

“I have not taken an official yet. I have taken unofficial visits to Washington, I went up there for a Cal game last season, and this season visits to UCLA and USC.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.5.”

What is your best score on the ACT or SAT?

“I got a 24 on the ACT (took the ACT again on Saturday).”

Are you playing any spring sports?

“I might do some track work but my focus is off-season training for football.”

Is there a moment or achievement on the football field during your high school career that will stick with you going forward?

“I think the first game of this season (48-21 win vs. Santa Margarita), the game as a whole will stick with me for the rest of my life. All of our hours of preparation came together. We kicked their butts when people thought we would lose.”

Matt, thanks for your time today and good luck with your off-season workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: MaxPreps.com; No. 3 Matt McDonald locks onto a receiver downfield.

Photo credit:  OC Varsity; No. 3 Matt McDonald rifles a ball downfield.