Something many people don’t know about football is that the left tackle can make or break an offense’s chances of success.  When a pass rusher gets by the left tackle, a right-handed quarterback won’t see him until he’s already been sacked.  Dominant left tackles are hard to find, but senior Jermaine Donaldson has the potential to be just that.

   After  a   breakout  junior  season, Donaldson received multiple Division I offers from schools including North Carolina State, Nebraska, and Boston College.  However, on June 21, Donaldson verbally committed to Temple University.

   “I really like what they’re doing at Temple.” Donaldson said. “They have good coaching, and an exciting recruiting class coming in.  Also, it’s close to home.”  Donaldson prioritized programs in which his mother could come watch him play every weekend when deciding on which offer to accept.

   During football season, it can be hard to balance practices, homework, and downtime.  A typical workout for Donaldson includes a 20-30 minute lifting session, and then it’s on to meeting with coaches and teammates.  “My biggest source of motivation,” Donaldson said, “is free education.”

   “One of my favorite parts of the game is the feeling you get during and after a big play,” said Donaldson.  “It’s such a rush that you can’t really describe it, but there’s no other feeling like it.”  There has been no shortage of big plays this year for Eastern, as the pass protection provided by Donaldson has led Eastern to a 6-1 record, averaging over 40 points per game.

   Before  every game,  Donaldson  listens  to  music to  mentally prepare himself.  “I listen to Chief Keef to get hype,” he said, “It  helps me  give  100  percent on  every  snap.”

   Donaldson is also getting it done off the field.  He plans to major in marketing at Temple, and work in the marketing field after college.

   Donaldson’s favorite memory of football at Eastern was the comeback victory the team completed last year against Trenton Central.  However, that could change in the near future.

   As Eastern comes down the home stretch of their schedule, Donaldson hopes he will continue pancaking defenders and the offense will continue to light up scoreboards.  If the Vikings keep rolling, Donaldson could end his Eastern career with a Group 4 championship.