McDonald fills out an outstanding in-state recruiting class for Jerry Kill and the Gophers!!
Andre McDonald, a 6-foot-3 senior wide receiver from Hopkins, has committed to Minnesota. He made the announcement on KARE-11 this evening. McDonald picked the Golden Gophers over Vanderbilt and UCLA, a school that he visited this past weekend.
McDonald caught 60 passes for 1,251 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior. He finished his career with 138 grabs for 2,699 yards and 39 touchdowns.
McDonald grabbed 64 passes for 1144 yards (17.9 yards per reception) with 19 touchdowns as a junior.
McDonald grabbed 64 passes for 1144 yards (17.9 yards per reception) with 19 touchdowns as a junior.
McDonald was named Associated Press All-State first team the past two years. He was a two-time All-Lake Conference and All-Metro selection.
McDonald committed to Minnesota in February, but decided to re-open recruitment. He committed to Vanderbilt after visiting the campus in early September. McDonald decided to make further college visits after Chris Beatty, the Vanderbilt wide receivers coach, took a job at Illinois.
He played Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, a first year event for many of the top high school gridiron standouts and will also appear in the International Bowl next Wednesday.
Gopher Hole: When did you make the decision to commit to Minnesota?
Andre McDonald: I decided on Tuesday of this week, but I didn’t say anything until last night when the coaches came.
Gopher Hole: What was their reaction?
Andre McDonald: They were happy. Coach Kill gave me a hug. All of them gave me a hug and they just had joy on their face as well as mine.
Gopher Hole: What coaches were at the house?
Andre McDonald: Coach Zembrowski, Coach Anderson, Coach Poore and Coach Kill.
Gopher Hole: What were the main factors in the decision to commit to Minnesota?
Andre McDonald: It was seeing how honest and how true to their word that they are. They stuck with me through the whole thing. They never stopped talking to me even when I was committed to Vanderbilt. They always checked up to see how I was doing. I wouldn’t want to be around a better group of guys than those guys, because they are such amazing people.
Gopher Hole: How does it feel to have the decision done with?
Andre McDonald: It’s feels great (laughing). It feels like I have a weight lifted from my shoulders.
Gopher Hole: Did you tell many of your friends or did many people know before the announcement on TV?
Andre McDonald: No. Not many. Maybe a couple of my close friends. My coach at the high school and my dad.
Gopher Hole: Was it hard to keep it secret from other people?
Andre McDonald: Yes, it was kind of tough. I just held it in.
Gopher Hole: When did you tape your segment with KARE-11?
Andre McDonald: Today at 1:30.
Gopher Hole: Where you surprised that the word didn’t get out? Did you expect people to try to figure it out?
Andre McDonald: A couple of recruiting guys from Rivals called me and tried to get me, but I told them to just wait and they will find out. They even asked me for hints and I just said ‘that I am going to let you find out and you’ll see when it happens.’
Gopher Hole: What was the reaction of your friends and your fellow Gopher recruits like Duke and Maxx when they heard the news?
Andre McDonald: They were ecstatic. They were so happy. Everyone was happy. I have been talking to Duke since this morning. Duke is a good friend of mine.
Gopher Hole: Your recruitment has not been typical. You committed to Minnesota in February and then you were going to go to Vanderbilt. Is there anything you would change at all about what your recruitment has been like or are you just glad to finally a place that you want to be?
Andre McDonald: I wouldn’t change anything because what I went through really made me grow and mature. It helped my decision making. I think that it really helped me grow as a young man.
Gopher Hole: Have the Gophers said much about the expectations as a freshman about maybe getting on the field and playing next year?
Andre McDonald: They tell me that I have a pretty good chance of playing, but it all comes, if I work hard. If I push myself and that is something that I have always done. That is what got me here and I am going to do everything I can.
Gopher Hole: You had your shoulder taped this past weekend playing basketball. How is that doing now?
Andre McDonald: It is doing fine. It has gotten a lot better. It is not really bugging me any more.
Gopher Hole: What do you know about the International Bowl that is being held next Wednesday?
Andre McDonald: I know that they have been doing it for a few years and they bring the top 50 quote, un-quote players from the United States to play against the top 50 players from around the World. I know that it is going to be fun. I am going to have fun.