Inside The Numbers: The Case For Jayden McDonald

Chris Coleman | Lead Analyst and Columnist

November 09, 2023

Jayden McDonald, Virginia Tech — Jayden McDonald is starting to get more playing time, and rightfully so. (Ivan Morozov)

Lost in Virginia Tech’s 34-3 loss to Louisville is that redshirt sophomore linebacker Jayden McDonald got more reps at will than starter Keli Lawson, and he posted a much higher grade. It’s the second time in his last three games that McDonald has posted an above-average grade, and he was injured and barely played in the one game he didn’t.

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14 Comments

Compeau November 11, 2023 at 8:19 PM

How about moving the other McDonald to ILB so you can start both of them next year?
vtmark84 November 10, 2023 at 6:47 PM

Chris, CBP should put you on the payroll as an analyst and advisor!
scoop76cs November 10, 2023 at 6:18 AM

Appreciate you breaking this down and presenting it so concisely!
atlhokie1 November 9, 2023 at 11:30 PM

Can you get them to make a switch at safety with Canteen as hokieblitz mentions? Haha.
Mamajc November 9, 2023 at 7:20 PM

Great analysis ?? I have been a fan of McDonald because I think he makes faster reads. Your data confirms he has been swinging up. Let’s hope the game plan includes a lot of snaps for him! Excellent writing Chris. I am really enjoying your articles ?
st_andrew November 9, 2023 at 7:10 PM

Of note, McDonald was in at starting Will on the first play of the second half per that clip.
TomA November 9, 2023 at 4:23 PM

Excellent article — seems like the way to go!
VAHokie89 November 9, 2023 at 3:52 PM

On the 4th down play, Marve could have (or you would think told) them to play run..? Even McDonald plays decently, we need a portal transfer as there is still a need for depth
1. NMB Hokie November 9, 2023 at 7:03 PM
  
  +1
Pmm1989 November 9, 2023 at 3:17 PM

McDonald consistently has moments in each game that he plays, where you yell "nice play!". I don't think there's another LB on the team we can say that about. Give him more snaps!
GO_HOKIES_GO November 9, 2023 at 1:33 PM

VT’s linebackers are too small (especially since the D-line does not dominate the LoS). I hope the Hokies can address the Mike issue in the portal this offseason, but I am far from certain. This team still has a lot of holes that need to be filled (both as starters and subs) before they can start to win consistently.
Atlee Hokie November 9, 2023 at 12:44 PM

Question. The coaches see what you see. The coaches get those scores. Why haven't the coaches already made the change?
1. hokieblitz November 9, 2023 at 5:29 PM
  
  Why do the coaches continue to play Jones at safety? Why hasn’t Canteen been moved over instead? Strange year with personnel decisions.
fishnpack_hokie November 9, 2023 at 12:20 PM

Good, helpful article. And wow, Delane got manhandled in the 1st video

Inside The Numbers: The Case For Jayden McDonald

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