Donaldson ready to open holes again
OL fully healthy almost 2 years after knee injury
CORAL GABLES — After a difficult 2020, the Miami Hurricanes will be getting a fully healthy version of one of their most experienced offensive linemen for the the upcoming season.
Navaughn Donaldson, a fifthyear senior who started in 34 of the Hurricanes’ 38 games from 2017-19, is returning after missing most of last season due to a knee injury he sustained toward the end of the 2019 season.
After sustaining tears in the ACL and MCL in his right knee, Donaldson had to have surgery and rehab for most of 2020, with the 6-foot-6 offensive lineman saying it was difficult for him to walk and put pressure down on his right leg for six months.
Donaldson admitted it was difficult to stay engaged with the team during his time away from the field.
“I wasn’t focused at all, I ain’t going to lie to you,” Donaldson said. “I couldn’t do nothing but go home, treatment...I couldn’t even drive my car. I felt like being hurt really made me take a step back and made me understand myself better.”
After a little over a year away from game action, Donaldson played in two of UM’s final three games of the 2020 season and fully participated in spring camp.
He declined to disclose his current weight, with the team listing him at 350 pounds — the same as last season — but mentioned that with the help of the team’s nutritionist, he’s slimmed down and feels like he’s in the “best
shape possible” during preseason camp.
“I came back mentally, physically and emotionally stronger,” Donaldson said. “Plus, I was able to take a step back and watch the team. I’m just grateful to be in the position to help my team and work alongside them.”
After seeing action at right guard, right tackle and left guard over the course of his collegiate career, Donaldson has mainly lined up as the right guard with the first-team offense during preseason camp.
The first-team offensive line has typically been: Zion Nelson at left tackle, Jalen Rivers at left guard, Corey Gaynor at center, Donaldson at right guard and Jarrid Williams at right tackle.
DJ Scaife Jr., who started at right guard last year, has moved back to tackle and has typically filled in for Nelson when he isn’t available for practice, which has been the case the last week. Scaife and Williams will sometimes switch positions, too, with Donaldson saying he’s gotten reps at other positions as well.
“I’ve been working some center a little bit as well,” Donaldson said. “Just trying to understand my role and the other people role. I’m just trying to be versatile and understand the whole defense, not just my position.”
With his inclusion in the offensive line and the combination of the unit’s experience and continuity, Donaldson is confident the Hurricanes will have a more consistent rushing attack this year than it did in 2020.
“[Offensive line coach Garin] Justice and [offensive coordinator Rhett] Lashlee, they tweaked the run game a little bit where it fit us,” Donaldson said. “I love the offensive scheme. I love the way everything is going.”
And the running backs have noticed that it’s easier to do their jobs when Donaldson’s in front them.
“[He’s] been working his tail off in the weight room and he’s been running very well,” fourth-year junior tailback Cam’Ron Harris said. “Just running behind him, taking on two people and opening up the holes — that’s what I need. That’s what all the running backs need basically.”