Kyriq McDonald Seeks Transfer From Alabama
TUSCALOOSA- Kyriq McDonald a reserve defensive back for the Alabama Crimson Tide has decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal set up for players to enter their name into an online database, which will allow other schools to contact them.
The 5-foot-11, 197-pound McDonald just completed his redshirt freshman season at Alabama where he played in 11 games and was twice recognized by the coaching staff for his play on special teams. One of those special teams’ weekly awards came against Auburn.
An early graduate of the class of 2017 at James Clemens, McDonald played under coach Wade Waldrop for the Jets where he quickly became a highly sought after player eventually being listed as a 4-Star recruit. He was alongside LaBryan Ray and Monty Rice at James Clemens where Ray was listed as the No. 1 recruit in the state and is currently one of the mainstays on the defensive line at Alabama, while Rice is a starter at linebacker with the Georgia Bulldogs. While at James Clemens, they were known as “The Big Three.”
McDonald and Ray played football together since they began the sport in flag football as small boys.
McDonald’s decision to join the Crimson Tide was over the likes of similar offers from Florida State, Louisville, Auburn, Arkansas and Mississippi State. McDonald said at his signing in Dec., 2016, “I always felt at home in Tuscaloosa and I wanted to go to a place that fits me on and off the field.”
McDonald broke his collarbone and missed seven games of his freshman season at James Clemens, but came on like gangbusters as a sophomore returning three interceptions, two fumbles and two blocked punts for touchdowns. He had seven interceptions, 63 tackles along with two blocked punts and a field goal. His success led him to being named First Team All-State and eventually a member of the Super 12 Team and a finalist for Class 7A Back of the Year.
He once stated, “How can you say no to Nick Saban.”
The NCAA transfer portal allows players to withdraw their name at any time.
