MCDONALD NAMED TO CAA PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

BALTIMORE, Md. – University at Albany wide receiver Donovan McDonald, who emerged as one of the most dynamic punt and kick returners in the Colonial Athletic Association in his first year with the Great Danes, has been named to the CAA’s Preseason All-Conference Team.

McDonald, a junior who transferred to UAlbany from Nebraska, was named to the team as a punt-returner. The former track athlete at Nebraska was third in the league in 2017 with an average of 10.1 yards per punt return, including a long of 34 yards.

The CAA preseason team was announced Tuesday, July 24, at the league’s annual media day in Baltimore, Md., where the preseason predicted order of finish also was unveiled. The Great Danes were picked ninth in the poll of league head coaches and media relations directors.

James Madison, the league’s three-time defending champion coming off a 14-1 season, was picked to win the league, followed by New Hampshire, Delaware and Stony Brook.

New Hampshire quarterback Trevor Knight was named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and James Madison cornerback Rashad Robinson was tabbed Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

McDonald was a key part of UAlbany’s offense and special teams last fall. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound native of West Orange, N.J., led the Great Danes with 1,015 all-purpose yards. After joining the team as a walk-on and then earning a full scholarship three games into the season, McDonald became UAlbany’s second-leading receiver with 29 catches for 339 yards and three touchdowns.

Playing a schedule that included Old Dominion, of the Football Bowl Subdivision, and five ranked opponents, the Great Danes last season finished 4-7 overall and 2-6 in the CAA. Their 19-10 overtime victory over No. 7 Villanova marked the program’s first win over a Top 10 team.

UAlbany opens the 2018 schedule Sept. 1 at Pittsburgh of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The upcoming season includes six home games at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, including contests against CAA powers Richmond and Delaware as well as rival Stony Brook. CLICK HERE to purchase season tickets.