Chris Donald Volunteers for Tennessee

By Jeff Flinn, NFLHS.com

Huntingdon, Tenn., linebacker Chris Donald will soon be wearing the orange-and-white uniform that he grew up watching and worshiping, that of the Tennessee Volunteers.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker -- and high school running back, although he'll be plying his trade on the Vols' defense -- has lived in Tennessee all his life, one reason why he's always followed the Vols. He made that intent crystal clear, wearing a brilliant orange button-down shirt to the Feb. 7 Signing Day ceremony held in Huntingdon High's library.

Donald is considered one of the nation's top inside linebackers. He originally committed to Tennessee during a Jan. 6 telecast of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game in San Antonio.

Donald's choices were thought to have come down to Tennessee and Notre Dame but, in talking with Donald, the decision was never really in doubt.

"I've known for about four months now," he said after the All-American game. "I wanted to announce the weekend I was at the (Sept. 16) Tennessee-Florida game, but we wanted to give Notre Dame a chance, wanted to go see what it was all about."

While his Oct. 6 trip to Notre Dame trip got rave reviews, it did little to sway him from becoming a Vol.

"It's a great opportunity for me. I was a top prospect in my state, so I was happy about that," he said. "My parents got to meet Coach (Tennessee's Phil) Fulmer and Coach (Notre Dame's Charlie) Weis and all the other coaches. They were OK with whatever choice I was going to make."

The 2006 season was a mixed bag for Donald. He rushed for more than 3,100 yards and 46 touchdowns as a sophomore and junior -- numbers that put him on the recruiting map, as he received three offers before his junior season ended.

But Donald, who concentrated on defense this past year, battled some nagging injuries all season long.

"I got hurt. I pulled my left hamstring, so I'm just happy I'm back right now," he said prior to the All-American Bowl game, "I'm doing a whole lot better."

Huntingdon finished 5-5. "We had a real shaky year, we had a ton of injuries. We just battled every game we could," he said.

Battling through his own injuries, he was able to record 60 tackles and 5 sacks, satisfying most of the scouts who were in the Huntingdon stands this fall.

Of Donald's linebacker play, one scout said, "(Donald) can play inside linebacker, outside linebacker or defensive end. Can rush, blitz, and play in coverage ... Has tremendous field strength; there is a potential for a knock-back tackle on every play."

Another scout tagged on, ""Seems to enjoy contact. Not afraid to give up his body in order to achieve his objective, which is very important when playing linebacker."

For his efforts, Donald was a first-team selection on the USA Today 2006 All-USA team and a Parade All-American. And Donald is looking forward to taking the field in Knoxville, intent on having an impact as a freshman.

"Hopefully, they trust in me so when I get down there, they give me a chance to play and compete," he said. "I just have to keep working hard and get stronger in the weight room, so I can get out there with those big boys."

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.