Kyriq McDonald Update: Cleared To Return To Action

CINCINNATI, Ohio- Kyriq McDonald has rejoined his teammates at the University of Cincinnati.

The former James Clemens All-State player suffered seizures in the second quarter of last week’s game versus No. 6 Ohio State and was carted off the field to a local hospital. Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickel announced at his weekly ACC Coach’s New Conference the redshirt sophomore was cleared to take to regular on-field action.

“It was a scary situation for everybody,” said Fickel following his team’s 42-nothing loss to the Buckeyes.

The second string safety, who is expected to be elevated to more playing time, was in pursuit of running back J. K. Dobbins when McDonald fell to the ground flailing his arms and legs. Cincinnati’s training and medical staff immediately rushed to his aid where he was assessed and taken to a local hospital. The entire stadium crowd and both teams were stunned by the incident as McDonald was down on the field for over five minutes. After extensive medical tests, McDonald was released from the hospital staff and he returned to his dorm.

Nicknamed “Skip” by his friends as a youngster, McDonald was recruited by some of the big name programs in the country while at James Clemens. He chose Alabama where he played for the Crimson Tide for two seasons. He did suffer a similar incident while on the sideline in the National Championship game two years ago versus Georgia. He chose to transfer from the Crimson Tide after last season and gained immediate eligibility via an NCAA waiver.

In Cincinnati’s opening game of the season versus UCLA, McDonald assisted in the Bearcats victory over the Bruins being named the team’s special teams’ MVP.

The 5-foot-11, 197-pound speedster has had a history of seizures his entire life according to his mother, Stephanie McDonald.