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Navaughn Donaldson came to the Hurricanes from nearby Miami Central High School as a four-star, can’t miss prospect. Donaldson was thrust immediately into a starting role as the right guard and played admirably as a freshman. In 2018, with the lack of emergence of a true left tackle, Donaldson was forced to become a right tackle with Tyree St. Louis’ move to the left side.
That move hurt both St. Louis, who was a good right tackle, and Donaldson. Donaldson is a true guard, especially in a zone scheme that requires a big strong interior presence. The GIF below is from his freshman season against Toledo, and he did great work in pass protection in limited space while at guard.
The Badgers have always had powerful defensive linemen that can stop the run or provide a strong pass rush. Donaldson was moved back to right guard late this season and Delone Scaife Jr. seems to have emerged as the right tackle on Miami’s musical chairs lineup. Watch the duo of Scaife (right tackle) and Donaldson (right guard) spring Travis Homer on a big run against the Pitt Panthers.
Hopefully Donaldson and Scaife can lock down the right side for Miami against the Badgers as the ‘Canes use the Pinstripe Bowl as an exhibition game to get guys settled into position for 2019.