SANTA ANA, Calif. — When Alabama commit Chuck McDonald steps onto the field at the Alamodome for the America’s Navy All-American Bowl in a few months, the patches on his jersey will carry a profound meaning.
McDonald, a four-star cornerback from Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei, has strong family ties to the Navy. He’ll look up into the stands to see his father, Chuck Sr., knowing the challenging path they’ve traveled together.
Receiving an invitation to this prestigious game has been both rewarding and affirming for McDonald, who lost his mother, Tameka, last fall.
“It’s been a tough journey,” McDonald shared with 247Sports. “But stepping onto that field with my dad watching—it’s going to be a dream come true for both of us. Football has been part of our lives for so long, and despite everything our family has faced, this invitation means a lot.”
Adding to the significance, McDonald’s father served in the Navy. “I was actually born in Hawaii while he was stationed there. We moved back to California after that, so this experience will be even more special.”
Ranked No. 97 nationally, No. 13 among cornerbacks, and No. 7 in California for the 2025 class by 247Sports, McDonald committed to Alabama in early June following his official visit to Tuscaloosa. Alabama won his commitment over finalists Georgia, Oregon, and USC for the talented 6’1″, 190-pound corner.
After watching his former Mater Dei teammate Zabien Brown compete in the All-American Bowl earlier this year, McDonald knew it was a goal of his. Brown has already made an impact as a freshman at Alabama, and McDonald hopes his week in Texas will launch his own journey in the SEC.
“I’m grateful for the chance to play and compete with the best in San Antonio,” McDonald said. “It’s a blessing and an opportunity not everyone gets. Being on TV and having people watch is going to be amazing. I remember watching it on TV as a kid, so to be on that field myself feels surreal.”
With the early signing period just five weeks away, McDonald remains committed to Alabama under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. His current focus is on helping Mater Dei’s undefeated team, which aims for another national championship.
The experience in San Antonio, McDonald said, will be an important preview of what he expects at the next level.
“Playing alongside and against players I’ll potentially face in college will be huge,” McDonald noted. “I go up against great talent in practice every day, so I’m prepared, but seeing all the top competition there will be a big step for me.”
