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Sports

Hopkins' McDonald Prepares for Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl

The game takes place Jan. 3 in Phoenix.

While most people were making plans for New Year’s Eve, wide receiver Andre McDonald was in Phoenix for the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl—an event for many of the top high school gridiron standouts that will be televised on CBS Sports Network at 5 p.m. Jan. 3.

2011 was a big year for the 6-foot-3 senior. McDonald caught 60 passes for 1,251 yards and 17 touchdowns—finishing his high school career with 138 grabs for 2,699 yards and 39 touchdowns.

He was named Associated Press All-State first team the past two years and was a two-time All-Lake Conference and All-Metro selection. McDonald was also honored last Sunday at the Minnesota-New Orleans NFL game Dec. 18 as a member of the Vikings' All-State team.

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McDonald committed to Minnesota in February but decided to re-open recruitment. He gave a verbal commitment to Vanderbilt after visiting the campus in early September.

Hopkins Patch talked with McDonald about being named to the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, being a Mr. Football finalist and playing hoops for the No. 1 ranked Royals.

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Hopkins Patch: When did you find out that you were going to play in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl?

Andre McDonald: I think that I found out right after we started school.

Hopkins Patch: Did you even have any clue that you were nominated for it or was it a surprise?

McDonald: I had met with (prep football analyst) Tom Lemming and he told us that all the people that he met with (in Minnesota) were nominated for it. I also got nominated for the U.S. Army game, so I didn’t know which one I would end up playing in.

Hopkins Patch: Minnesota isn’t exactly a football hotbed, so you have to be pretty pleased that you were recognized for your talents.

McDonald: Oh, yes. It is definitely a huge honor. It is amazing. I was really happy when I found out.

Hopkins Patch: How about that fact that you know the two other players from Minnesota, Philip Nelson from Mankato West and Maxx Williams of Waconia who are also playing in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl? Does that make it even more special?

McDonald: It is pretty cool. We’ll be out there together, and we’ll be able to hang out while we are out there. So it is nice to know that there are guys that I know. The bad part is that we ended up on opposite teams. I am on the West team, and they are both on the East. 

Hopkins Patch: You are playing the opening game of the Best Buy Holiday Classic next Wednesday (Dec. 28) with the Hopkins basketball team and you fly out the next day. What all do they have you doing when you get down there?

McDonald: As far as the itinerary that I saw, we have practice and a lot of banquets. We are going to the Insight Bowl (held in Tempe next Friday). They have a lot of bonding types of things. We’ll do a lot of stuff together and the players are always together the whole time we are down there. 

Hopkins Patch: Do you know anyone who is on your team?

McDonald: A Vanderbilt recruit who I’ll be playing with, he is a wide receiver, too, Cory Batey. We are on the same team, so that will be pretty cool.

Hopkins Patch: Any family members or friends going down there with you?

McDonald: My aunt and my brothers are going with me, so that will be fun.

Hopkins Patch: Does it mean even more that it is “Semper Fidelis” All-American Bowl?

McDonald: I think that it is going to really fun to be around these people who put their lives on the line for us. For me to be able to do what I love to do and for them to sponsor it, I think that is amazing and I am really thankful for it.

Hopkins Patch: Have you gotten a chance to know future Vanderbilt teammate Cory Batey, who is also playing in the game?

McDonald: He was there when I visited, so I got to hang out with him quite a bit and we still talk a lot through texting or Facebook. I like him a lot. He is a cool kid. It will be fun. I think that we spend a lot of time together and hopefully, we end up rooming together.

Hopkins Patch: You commited to Minnesota in February. What was the reason that you decided that you wanted to re-open your recruitment?

McDonald: Just for me, I felt like the decision I had made wasn’t for me, so I just wanted to do what I wanted to do.

Hopkins Patch: Vanderbilt head James Franklin, who is only 39 years old, is considered an up-and-coming young coach and has gotten the Commodores in just their fourth bowl games since 1955. Is he one of the main reasons you decided to go to Vanderbilt? 

McDonald: Yeah, man. He is like a father figure. He is a nice guy. I just love being around him.

Hopkins Patch: Chris Beatty, the Vanderbilt wide receivers coach, attended the Minnesota Mr. Football banquet with you. Most coaches wouldn’t take time out of their schedule for something like that. What is your relationship with him?

McDonald: It was nice that he was here to see me go through these things. It is nice to know that he is there (for me) already even before I am down at Vandy. I talk to him a lot. I think that I talk to him every day or every other day. I like talking to him. I can talk to him about whatever, so that is a plus for me. That is one of the important things to me.

Hopkins Patch: You were also named as one of the nine finalists for the Mr. Football Award. How pleased are you with recognition that you received?

McDonald: I was really happy with it. It is an honor. It is something that I have worked for. 

Hopkins Patch: You posted some great numbers as a senior with over 60 catches and 17 touchdowns. I know that the season ended sooner than you would have liked, but you have to be pleased with how well you played?

McDonald: It was fun. We were a little outmatched by some teams because we were younger and smaller, but everyone worked hard, so it was nice to be around people that wanted to play.

Hopkins Patch: You are putting up some good numbers on the basketball court this season with some key players missing time. You had a career-high 16 points recently and have stepped up your game and are doing some of the little things to help the Royals win. Is that something that you are proud of?

McDonald: Yes, it is real nice to get the chance. Last year, I was more of a sixth man. I didn’t get on the court as much. But this year, I am taking on a bigger role, filling big shoes.

Hopkins Patch: When Hopkins plays, they are going to get everyone’s best game since everyone wants to beat you. Is that something you like as a competitive kid?

McDonald: Oh, yes. I like going against competition. This year in football, getting game-planned around me. I like the competition. I like the pressure.

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