BLACKSBURG – Head coach Justin Fuente announced on Tuesday that the Hokies have added Jayden and Jorden McDonald to Tech's 2021 signing class, bringing the number of signees in this group up to 27 student-athletes. The twin brothers from Salem, Virginia are both listed as "athletes" and the Virginia Tech coaching staff will determine their potential positions once they arrive on campus in the summer.
Salem High School began its 2021 spring season on Monday, Feb. 22 with a 50-0 win against Blacksburg after not playing football in the fall of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Spartans are currently 4-0 on the season. The McDonalds are playing for head coach Don Holter at Salem High School and finished the 2019 campaign with a 12-2 record after reaching the VHSL Class 4 state semifinals vs. Tuscarora. They were also members of Salem's 2017 Division 4 Virginia State Championship Team coached by Holter.
"Jayden and Jordan McDonald are not only very good football players, but they are also exceptional young men," Holter said. "They are leaders in the classroom, community and on the field. Jayden and Jordan have been active volunteers in our city with local churches and food banks doing various tasks helping to feed elementary kids throughout the summer, kids who otherwise would not have access to much-needed nutritional items. In addition, both of them participate in presentations to elementary students as members of the African-American History Club.
Tech's longstanding tradition of siblings playing in Blacksburg continues with this signing class that includes the McDonald brothers. The 2021 class also features two players who are following older brothers to Tech. TE Jack Hollifield is the younger brother of current LB Dax Hollifield and DB Jalen Stroman is the younger sibling of current Washington NFL Team member, CB Greg Stroman.
Jayden McDonald
Athlete 6-4, 220
Salem, Virginia Salem
A three-year starter at Salem High School. Named a second-team preseason all-state selection in 2020 prior to the season being postponed. Earned first-team honors on the Virginia Class 4 All-State Team as a defensive back in 2019. He registered 37 total tackles, five INTs, 3.5 TFL and 11 pass breakups during the 2019 campaign as Salem advanced to the state semifinals. On offense, he recorded seven catches for 89 yards with one TD to go with two rushes for 21 yards. He was named to the Virginia Region 4D All-Region Team in 2019, as well.
Jordan McDonald
Athlete 6-4, 220
Salem, Virginia Salem
A three-year starter at Salem, he was part of a squad that captured the Virginia Region 4D Championship in 2019 and earned All-Region 4D honors. Served as a two-way player for the Spartans, registering 33 total tackles, three TFL, eight pass breakups and two INTs in 2019, as well as a 22-yard fumble return TD vs. George Washington in a 2019 playoff game. Earned a spot on the Region 4D all-region team. Also added seven receptions for 169 yards and two TDs, including a 56-yard TD catch vs. Amherst County.