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File SAF-06 · National rank 68 · 2027 class

Jelani McDonald

#4· Texas ·SAF ·Sr ·2027 Draft · Waco, Texas
6'2"Height 200 lbWeight
RepresentationBalance Sports Management AgentErrol Bennett II Confirmed
Day 1 StarterElite TalentMulti-Year StarterStat Producer
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Quick Notes
Jelani McDonald is a senior defensive back who projects as a starter for Texas. A high-upside defender, he profiles as a legitimate NFL Draft prospect.
Agent / Representation
Status Represented Confirmed
AgentErrol Bennett II
Contact@ejbii
NotesNIL representation — Balance Sports Management (Errol Bennett II).
SourceWeb: A post shared by BALANCE SPORTS MANAGEMENT (@balancesmg)
Verified2026-07-21
Board Standing
#6 SAF / 1206
#68 Overall / 15102
Nearest at SAF
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Scouting Verdict

Homegrown Texas safety who spent two years earning the job and then owned it — 33 tackles in 2024 gave way to a full-blown breakout in 2025, 80 stops with three interceptions across 13 games as the Longhorns' primary run-support defender in the box. He plays downhill with intent, triggers fast on the run fit, and the pick production shows he can turn and locate the ball when asked to carry vertical routes, a rare combination for a safety built to hit. He turned down a 2026 exit to return, a bet on his own arrow. However, the ball-skill sample is still building — three picks in a breakout year is promising, not yet proven — and the tape needs to show he can hold up in true man coverage against SEC slots, not just fill and tackle. A high-end recruit whose production finally matches the pedigree; a Day 1 starter with the traits to grade into Day 2 of the 2027 class if the coverage reps confirm the range.

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SAF Keys 2025 · Texas Longhorns
80
Tot
Better than 96% of 694 SAFs
3
INT
Better than 95% of 671 SAFs
3
PD
Better than 82% of 674 SAFs
Recruiting
★★★★
Stars
#70
National
#2
Position
#13
State
High SchoolConnally
HometownWaco, Texas
Offers8 schools view →
Career Production 3 college seasons
YearTeamGPTotINTPD
2025 Texas Longhorns 13 8033
2024 Texas Longhorns 3311
2023 Texas Longhorns 200
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Tags 4 Click to toggle
Talent Level
Competitive / Mental
Production Profile
Versatility
Off-Field / Character
Overall Risk