When Trey McDonald committed to Virginia as part of the 2022 recruiting class, one word that got thrown around a lot was versatile. That made sense as he lined up in multiple positions for the Baylor School in Tennessee, which included a bit of a hybrid safety-linebacker role.

That versatility made him a top 40 recruit in Tennessee and it may be paying off now at Virginia.

After playing in three games – and thus preserving a redshirt season if wanted – last fall as a true freshman, McDonald emerged this spring as a potential rising star for the Cavalier defense. McDonald and fellow 2022 true freshman Stevie Bracey both picked up extensive reps this spring while senior Josh Ahern rehabbed an injury. That caught the attention of UVA coach Tony Elliott.

“Trey McDonald has been making plays all spring,” Elliott said. “It’s been really good for him with Ahern not being able to practice to get all of those reps. Same thing with Stevie Bracey. It was fun just to see guys get out there and compete.”

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