As he continues his junior year, linebacker Zaine McDonald has made an impression on coaches in Blackwell because of his work and dedication both on and off the field. McDonald plays both running back and middle linebacker for Blackwell
and didn’t start playing football until his freshman year of high school.

While McDonald had been a fan of the sport, he said his friends encouragement and enthusiasm inspired him to join the team, and he’s enjoyed his decision ever since.

“I am always working and making myself better no matter what,” McDonald said.

This fall McDonald has set some personal goals for himself
on the gridiron.

“I want to have 1,000 yards rushing and 120 tackles,” McDonald said.

McDonald has been developing every year since he began playing and thanks his
coaches for keeping him motivated and he often turns to them for their guidance and leadership. McDonald said that he considers his coach his role model and thanks the entire staff and his teammates for keeping him inspired. While McDonald didn’t start playing until his freshman year, it didn’t take him long to make an impact for the Maroons as McDonald found himself in a starting position by his sophomore year.

“My proudest accomplishment so far is when I was got the starting linebacker position my sophomore year,” McDonald said.

After high school McDonald hopes to play football at the next
level and then become a game warden.