2020 NFL Draft OL prospect Navaughn Donaldson set to redshirt

The 2021 NFL Draft loses a prospect as Navaughn Donaldson redshirts

As teams are ramping up to head back to their respective school and begin training for the 2020 saeson, the Miami Hurricanes will have to prepare without their lone senior starting offensive lineman. Navaughn Donaldson, a 2021 NFL Draft prospect and three year starter for the Hurricanes, has announced today he will redshirt for the 2020 season.

"“After talking to family and the coaching staff I decided to redshirt and focus on me this season” (Donaldson via Twitter)."

Donaldson, a 2017 Freshman All-American and All-ACC honorable mention, has started 34 games throughout his career in South Beach. However, Donaldson suffered an injury at the end of the 2019 season, missing the Hurricanes’ bowl game, an injury the senior is still recovering from.

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As the Hurricanes bring in Houston grad transfer quarterback D’Eriq King and Temple edge rusher Quincy Roche (who forms quite the dynamic duo with Gregory Rousseau), they look to get back into competitive spirits this season. They will now have to do so without the anchor along their offensive front. Donaldson’s draft fortunes will have to wait another year as well.

Sitting out 2020 a blessing in disguise?

In a 2021 draft class that features a deep crop of interior offensive lineman, waiting it out until the 2022 NFL Draft may not be a bad idea for Donaldson either. Now he will not have to put his name up against the likes of Ohio State’s Wyatt Davis or Tennessee’s Trey Smith, can get healthy, and get in shape for the following year.

Listed at 6-6 and 363 pounds, Donaldson is an absolute unit along the interior of the Hurricanes’ offensive line. One might have to wonder what toll his weight could be playing on his recovery from a sprained ankle that forced him to miss the bowl game in 2019.

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Without speculating, it seems like Donaldson is ready to set his sights on the 2021 season and the 2022 NFL Draft. Best of luck to Donaldson in his recovery and as he gets ready to get back on the field during his redshirt 2020 season.

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