Will McDonald IV 'always answered the call' at Waukesha North, now it's time for the NFL
WAUKESHA, Wis (CBS 58) -- Waukesha North's Will McDonald IV didn't play football until his sophomore season, but still became the 15th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the New York Jets.
"15th pick in the NFL draft, I could have never guessed that, but I just knew he was gonna be great," said Matt Harris, a former Waukesha North football coach.
Harris is now the head coach at Arrowhead High School, but coached McDonald IV at Waukesha North from 2015-17. He saw the basketball player in the hallway one day and eventually convinced him to come out for football. It didn't take long for McDonald IV to stand out.
"Couple minutes into practice and I thought holy cow we have something really great in front of us," said Harris.
McDonald IV turned two years with the Northstars into a record-setting career with the Iowa State Cyclones.
McDonald IV is tied for most sacks in Big 12 conference history with 34 in his career, tying Texas Tech's Aaron Hunt and passing a mark set by future NFL Hall of Famer Von Miller.
His old high school teammate with the Northstars and current Wisconsin Badger wide receiver, Chimere Dike, isn't surprised by any of his accomplishments on the field.
"Just a freak athlete, he stood out in every single way," said Dike. "He just did some stuff that was different."
"Didn't matter what sport it didn't matter if it was football, basketball, track. He just always answered the call," said Harris on what the type of player McDonald IV was in high school.
What may separate McDonald IV, was the tone he set in practice and on the field. Even as a rookie.
"Will's a guy that does everything right and when you do that, people follow you," said Dike.
McDonald IV joins a team with a new quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and new expectations of not only making the playoffs but competing for the Super Bowl. But Harris doesn't see any outside pressure being an issue.
"He's in the biggest media market and he won't care what they think about him. He will just be Will McDonald," said Harris.
Waukesha North fans know what he can do and Cyclones fans as well. Now, the world will when the NFL season starts this fall.
"I wouldn't be surprised if on Monday Night Football he goes and makes a giant play in the first week. And everybody's raving about him," said Harris.
"I know he's ready for this next step. He's going to take full advantage of it, I can't wait to see him on Sundays. I can't wait to see him play," said Dike.
The New York Jets open the season on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 11.