Appalachian State adds two transfers to already-stout defense

Joshua Donald started his college career at Southern University where he spent two seasons and played in 18 games. After making a name for himself in the FCS ranks, Donald entered the transfer portal in early December 2023. He was initially recruited to Troy by defensive line coach Eric McDaniel but committed on Jan. 12 under a new Trojan coaching staff, after prior head coach Jon Sumrall accepted the same role at Tulane.

Donald attended Troy and participated in Trojan spring practices this past semester but re-entered the transfer portal on May 5. Insiders say Donald bought in to what the new staff was selling him, but as spring practices rolled on, he felt like he was being led on, the promises weren’t being kept, and he wasn’t really vibing with the new coaches. Ending spring practice as the No. 1 nose, Donald already decided to seek greener pastures and made his one and only call to none other than Eric McDaniel, now at App State.

When Fall Ball rolls around, Donald will have two years of eligibility remaining, and a redshirt season, should he need it.

App State Tries Again and Wins

App State finally has their man. After heavily recruiting Elijah Mc-Cantos out of Miami’s Edison High School, Mc-Cantos spent two seasons with the Illini playing in 12 career games, choosing Illinois from among 22 total offers including 10 P5 opportunities.

Insiders say Mc-Cantos was “very grateful” to be allowed to visit App State and even more so to have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the roster. At the end of the day you have to follow your heart, and Mc-Cantos’ heart is in Boone and the coaches were able to recognize that and jumped on the chance to take him.

Coming from Southern Florida, Mc-Cantos has that swag about him and he impressed staff enough to make himself “an easy yes.” While all football programs have their own traditions and methods, App State is different. Since 1989, App State has had just 4 head coaches (Jerry Moore, Scott Satterfied, Eli Drinkwitz, Shawn Clark), with two of those coaches (Satterfield, Clark) actually playing for legendary coach Jerry Moore. All that to say, not everyone can fit in with the App State Culture and expectations the players, coaches, and even fans put on the team. Mc-Cantos has already seamlessly meshed with the coaching staff and players, and looks to make his new home in Boone.

Mc-Cantos was rated by 247 Sports as a 2022 top-100 cornerback nationally and the 15th-ranked senior cornerback in Florida.

With his size and flexible skillset, Mc-Cantos could project at either cornerback or the hybrid Star position in App State’s defensive scheme, and he’ll certainly spend time in both spots during summer workouts leading into August fall camp.

Mc-Cantos has three seasons of eligibility remaining.