Getting to know Iowa State transfer safety Craig McDonald

Auburn commit and Minnesota native Craig McDonald had a number of choices when he entered the switch portal after a profitable season at Iowa State. McDonald fielded affords from Wisconsin, Boston Faculty, Memphis, and Florida State, amongst others, earlier than selecting to play for Bryan Harsin on the Plains.

McDonald had 41 tackles and was tied for the crew lead with two interceptions final season after redshirting for the 2020 season at Iowa State. He was a three-star recruit within the 2020 recruiting class.

The 6′2 190 security has three years of eligibility as a redshirt freshman. He’s a bodily security that would fill the void left by Smoke Monday departing to New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. We caught up with McDonald by way of cellphone to debate why he selected Auburn and his plans to enhance as an athlete.

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Right here’s AL.com’s dialog with the protection from Minneapolis.

Wilborn: Inform me about your interactions with affiliate head coach Zac Etheridge?

McDonald: He’s down-to-earth and simple. He’s relatable. He’s any person you’ll be able to relate to and construct a relationship with simply. It’s not arduous to have a very good relationship with him.

Wilborn: What made you select Auburn.

McDonald: The best way they need to use the place I’ll play there. I’m versatile as an athlete, and so they need to let me present every part I can do as a participant. The entire teaching workers made it really feel like we had been a household. I beloved the campus at Auburn and town. I loved being down south. I additionally need to play within the SEC as a result of it’s an excellent convention.

Wilborn: What was Bryan Harsin like in your recruiting course of?

McDonald: He’s simple. He desires the gamers to be simple. He desires every part to be above board always. He doesn’t maintain any secrets and techniques, and I like that about him. However, he additionally is aware of the way to have enjoyable. I noticed him do the Griddy dance throughout spring ball, and it was nice. He works arduous and expects greatness from everybody. He additionally is aware of the way to have a very good time.

Wilborn: What do you know concerning the SEC earlier than visiting Auburn.

McDonald: I watched a number of SEC soccer rising up. The velocity of the gamers is totally different down right here. Gamers are quick within the Large 12, however the mixture of velocity and physicality within the SEC is second to none.

Wilborn: How has the portal and Identify, Picture, and Likeness impacted you?

McDonald: The portal allowed me the chance to discover my choices. NIL hasn’t affected me. I haven’t had a NIL deal but. In fact, I’m concerned about it, however that’s not my essential focus. My priorities are on getting my schooling and excelling on the soccer discipline. The remaining will come if I deal with my enterprise.

Wilborn: How do you deal with social media?

McDonald: I maintain my social media between my pals and me for probably the most half. I don’t get entangled in any social media stuff exterior of individuals I really see every day. It helps restrict distractions.

Wilborn: Have you ever had many interactions with Auburn followers because you introduced your dedication?

McDonald: I’ve been blessed to have so many followers ship me messages to welcome me to Auburn. I used to be searching for an intense soccer setting. I needed a spot the place the individuals stay, eat, and breathe the sport of soccer. Auburn has that form of vitality, which is without doubt one of the a number of causes I selected the college.

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.