Donaven McCulley Continues to Grow into the Wide Receiver Role

Written by Zach Greene (@zachegreene)

Third-year wide receiver and former Quarterback Donaven McCulley is proving that he can be one of Indiana’s top options in the passing game for the upcoming season. The young man from Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis keeps making plays during spring practice. During both open media sessions during spring camp he’s made spectacular catches and one of which was a one-handed catch.

“I thought he made some more plays today. Everyday he’s made plays and that’s what I expect. We’ve had some really good heart-to-hearts about it. This is where he wants to be. Just continuing to have him grow at that position and learning it. And finding ways to get open and make plays and go score the football,” Allen said on the development of McCulley.

For those who forget, McCulley transitioned to wide receiver last spring after becoming one of three true freshmen to start at quarterback for the Hoosiers along with Tre Roberson (2011) and Zander Diamont (2014).  He got the nod to start against Maryland during the 2021 season and nearly pulled out the win completing 14 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns. The Hoosiers lost that game 38-35. In total McCulley played seven games at quarterback and completed 35 passes for 475 yards and two touchdowns. He added 135 yards and two touchdowns rushing.

McCulley at North Lawrence was a playmaker at quarterback and four-star prospect. He finished his career with over 6,200 yards passing and 47 touchdowns for a quarterback rating of 128.1.

Last season, McCulley was asked to transition to receiver, and he accepted the transitioned and betted on himself. I wrote about this subject last season as IU's Donaven McCulley is a Football Player, Will be Used Whenever and Wherever Needed. McCulley along with a handful of top tier NFL players have moved from quarterback to wide-receiver including IU’s own Antwaan Randle-El along with Julian Edelman and Anquan Boldin.

McCulley played in all 12 games in 2022 and had a moderately productive season. He made 16 catches for 169 yards and a score. The Hoosiers are looking for more from the junior in 2023.

McCulley is a bit slimmer heading into this spring ball. He appears to be down about 10 or 15 pounds and his burst off the ball are impressive. Yesterday, he made a handful of catches and had some good routes against zone coverages. His goal is to play at the next level and it’s safe to say that he’s on his way. Last season, he played in all 12 games catching a receiving touchdown from Williams on a great fade ball.  

As spring ball progresses McCulley will continue to get better at the receiver position which a position he’s only played for a little over a year now.