Ray McDonald life and biography

A 3rd-round pick in 2007, Ray McDonald has seen extensive action over the last three seasons, playing in 40 games (9 starts). Known for his instincts and quick­ness off the line, McDonald set a career high with 3 sacks in 2009.

TRANSACTIONS:
Originally the second of two 3rd-round (97th pick overall) draft choices by SF in 2007.

GOLDMINE:
•Ray comes from an athletic family as his father, Ray Sr., played wide re­ceiver for the Florida Gators in the mid-80s and was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated (Nov. 11, 1985) after catching both scores in a 14-10 victory at Auburn in 1985. Ray was 1-year old at the time. Ray’s grandfather played running back at Bethune Cookman and his uncle was a cornerback at UCF.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

•Recorded his first career fumble return for a TD after a FF by LB Manny Lawson in the 4th qtr. vs. StL (10/4/09).

2009:
•Posted a career-high 3 sacks.
•Sacked QB Kurt Warner at Arz. (9/13) in his first game back after undergoing offseason knee surgery.
•Registered sacks in back-to-back games for the first time in his career by dropping QB Matt Hasselbeck vs. Sea. (9/20).
•Blocked a 44-yd. FG att. by K Ryan Longwell that was returned by CB Nate Clements 59 yds. for a TD at the end of the 2nd qtr. at Min. (9/27), putting the 49ers ahead 14-13 at the half. It marked his 2nd career blocked FG.
•Recorded his first career fumble return for a TD after a FF by LB Manny Lawson in the 4th qtr. vs. StL (10/4).
•Sacked QB Peyton Manning at Ind. (11/1).
•Recovered a 4th qtr. fumble by QB David Garrard vs. Jax. (11/29).

2008:
•Ranked 2nd on team with 37 quarterback pressures.
•Started first career game vs. Arz. (9/7), tallying 6 tackles.
•Tipped a pass that was intercepted by CB Walt Harris at Sea. (9/14). The play occurred at Seattle’s 41-yd. line and led to a 49ers TD to give team a 27-20 lead in 3rd qtr.
•Blocked a 54-yd. FG attempt vs. Phi. (10/12) and CB Donald Strickland scooped ball up and raced 41 yds. for a TD.
•Left game in 2nd qtr. at NYG (10/19) with a sprained knee.

2007:
•Played in first career game vs. Bal. (10/7) and tallied 3 tackles.
•Totaled 2 tackles and his first career sack vs. TB (12/23), with his sack com­ing in 2nd qtr. off QB Jeff Garcia.

COLLEGE

•Saw action in 46 games with 36 starts at Florida and collected 137 tackles, 11 sacks, 2 FFs, 1 FR and 1 blocked kick. Became first defensive lineman to start 12 games in a season (2003) as a freshman and was only fourth defensive lineman in school history to start as a freshman in season opener. Earned All-SEC first-team honors from league’s coaches as a senior after starting every game and recording 36 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 blocked kick and 1 FR returned for a TD as he split time between defensive end and tackle. SEC All-Freshman Team selection by The Sporting News after starting 12 of 13 games at defensive tackle and posting 54 tackles. Redshirted as a true freshman in 2002.

PERSONAL

•Attended Glades Central (Belle Glade, FL) HS, where he earned All-American honors and was named Palm Beach County Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 as he recorded 132 tackles and 24 sacks as a senior.
•Helped team to Class 3A state championship as a junior and started final 3 seasons at defensive tackle.
•Born Raymondo Antoine McDonald (9/2/84) in Pahokee, FL.

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