Georgia LB Jayden McDonald commits to Iowa

As the second national signing period nears for the Class of 2018, Iowa picked up a commitment from Suwanee, Ga., linebacker Jayden McDonald on Monday.

McDonald, 6-foot-2 and 219 pounds, is a 3-star recruit in the 247Sports Composite. He committed to Rutgers last summer but didn't sign in the December period and decommitted in January. After that, he visited Kansas State, Iowa, Purdue and Ole Miss, according to 247Sports, and ultimately picked the Hawkeyes.

'First and foremost, I would like to thank God for the many blessings that He has given me,' McDonald wrote on Twitter. 'I would like to thank my family and friends for ALWAYS supporting me. Thank you to my former youth (and high school) coaches, mentors and trainers. Special thanks to Coach Stewart, the (North Gwinnett) coaching staff teachers, NG nation and my STATE CHAMPIONSHIP teammates who helped me grow as a student-athlete on and off the field. I would also like to thank the college coaches that recruited me throughout the process.

'Lastly, thanks to (head coach) (Kirk) Ferentz, (defensive coordinator) (Phil) Parker and (linebackers coach) (Seth) Wallace for believing in me! With that being said, I'm extremely blessed that I'll be furthering my academic and athletic career at the UNIVERSITY OF IOWA! 110% COMMITTED!'

McDonald is the 78th-ranked recruit in Georgia by 247Sports, and the No. 46 outside linebacker nationally.

He is Iowa's 22nd commitment for the Class of 2018 and fourth linebacker, joining signees Dillon Doyle (Iowa City West) and Seth Benson (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and recent commit Logan Klemp (South Hamilton). The second national signing period begins Wednesday.