Long Beach Poly 2017 QB Nolan McDonald Preps for Big Senior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

As water is wet, Long Beach Polytechnic High School always produces great next level talent off the California gridirons. The Jackrabbits may not have the most feared mascot in all the land but the talent that strolls out onto the playing field over the years is enough to make anyone cringe.

When the green and gold has come out of the locker room over the years, the guys that have helped put the program on the map includes DeSean Jackson, Marcedes Lewis, Willie McGinest, Omar Stoutmire, Leonard Russell, Mark Carrier, Brian Banks, Terrance Austin, Isaiah Green, and Marquez Pope. The 2014 recruiting class landed defensive back John Smith at USC, defensive back Elijah Moody at Nevada and defensive tackles Jason Fao (UNLV) and Gasetoto Schuster at UTEP and Utah State respectively. In 2015 five-star defensive back Iman Marshall headed to USC while four-star secondary teammate Colin Samuel went to UCLA, and four-star defensive tackle Joseph Wicker took off to Arizona State.

The list continued in the 2016 class with five-star defensive back Jack Jones going to USC, athlete Davir Hamilton to Utah, and four-star quarterback Malik Henry heading to Florida State. The next in the long line of players prepping for that next big step is Class of 2017 quarterback Nolan McDonald.

McDonald split snaps with Florida State signee Malik Henry last season completing 51 passes for 968 yards with 11 touchdowns. Showing the ability to make things happen with his legs, McDonald scrambled for 200 more yards with three additional scores.

The 6’2”, 180 pound, talent is tough, quick in the pocket avoiding pressure, will stand in the pocket to deliver the pass, and can run when he has to making him a true dual-threat quarterback. McDonald’s recruitment is just starting to take off with Boise State, Washington State, Cal, and Oregon State showing interest and offers on the table from Nevada, Air Force, and Navy.

Before his big breakout season, I sat down with McDonald covering his junior campaign, his offseason workouts, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Nolan, you received some significant snaps last season showing your emerging talents. What were some of the things you improved upon last year with the opportunities you were given?

“Really just overcoming being nervous and playing for a big crowd. I quickly overcame that pressure. As a junior, I was trying to get into that leadership role with the team. Once I got there I felt comfortable and commanded the team.”

What are some of the thing you feel you do well at this point in your career?

“I consider myself to be athletic and one of the better dual-threats in southern California. I’m a good runner too.”

As a passing quarterback, what are your strengths in the pocket?

“I keep my eyes downfield and I’m pretty accurate as well.”

What are you working on in the offseason for your senior year?

“I’m doing a lot of class work on the white board. I’m also doing a lot of one on one training and getting my foot work down. I’m working a lot on my game above my shoulders.”

How does Poly look going into the 2016 season?

“This year we have a lot of returning starters coming back. The majority of our linebackers, defensive line, and cornerbacks will be back. We will be solid on defense. On offense, we have a lot of young guys a lot of JV guys coming up. We do have three returning offensive linemen. I feel like we will do well this year. We’ll make a far run into the playoffs.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

My goals for the season – I want to lead my team to state. I know that is general and everyone wants to do that, but it would be nice to go out with a bang. I want to get a ring and bring another championship back to Poly.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“I have interest from Boise State, Washington State, Cal, and Oregon State as well.”

Which schools have offered you so far?

“Nevada, Air Force, and Navy.”

Have you been on any unofficial visits yet?

“I took a visit to Boise State for one of their Junior Days.”

How did your visit to Boise State go?

“My and dad and I got out there a day early. We got to see the team practice and I got to talk to players. The coaches showed a lot of love. They were excited about recruiting me. I felt special there. They are looking at me intently. I really appreciated that.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“We might take a visit to Washington and Nevada. We have to talk it over.”

Are you going to attend any camps this summer?

“As a matter of fact, Poly is hosting a camp with Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Boise State. I want to hit Nebraska’s and Washington’s satellite camps as well.”

You have some nice offers on the table and look like more are coming around the corner. Do you have a timeline on making a decision where you will play your college ball?

“Actually I am looking forward to graduating early. I’m getting out in December 2016. I’m looking to commit maybe before the season starts so I can get that out of the way and focus on the season.”

What are the main factors you will consider in choosing a college?

“First and foremost is a prestigious education. Second would be the coaching staff, and finally, if I don’t have aspirations of going to NFL I would like the school to help set me up with a career outside of college after I graduate.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“Last semester I had a 3.4 GPA.”

Nice. You mentioned education being important to you. Do you know what you want to major in once in college?

“I want to major in kinesiology and sports medicine.”

Have you take the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the SAT back on May 10. I have not received my results yet.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“I’d have to say science and history, but I’m going with science.”

Is there a NFL player you model your game after or really like watching play the position?

“I like Cam Newtown (Carolina Panthers). He shows a lot of good qualities on and off the field and his game speaks for itself.”

Do you play any other sports for Poly?

“I was running track. I stopped once we started spring football so did not get too far with that.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“At Poly we really push being a family and staying together as one. The brotherhood, I’d say the brotherhood aspect. I like the family atmosphere we have at Poly and I feel comfortable around everyone.”

Nolan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps and visits.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: presstelegram.com; No. 10 Nolan McDonald

Photo credit: McDonald family; Nolan McDonald at Boise State

Photo credit: gazettes.com; No. 10 Nolan McDonald escapes the pocket