IUFB Class of '21 Signing Day Profile: Donaven McCulley

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Written by T.J. Inman

Name – Donaven McCulley

Position – Quarterback

247 Composite Ranking – 4-star (90.97)

High School – Lawrence North High School (Indianapolis, IN)

HUDL Highlights (Junior Season)

Donaven McCulley was the top target at quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers and in June of 2020, they landed his commitment. It was a big achievement for Tom Allen and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan as they had been after the in-state prospect for a few years. McCulley is a dual-threat quarterback that propelled Lawrence North to their best season in more than a decade and was named the top player in Marion County. He has a big frame and throws well on the move. His best skill right now is probably his ability to make plays with his feet and either run for a gain or throw on the run. McCulley did not have a ton of skill around him, particularly on the offensive line but he and high-major recruit Omar Cooper had a great partnership.

The Indiana Hoosiers have exactly what you want in a quarterback room. They have the ultra-talented Michael Penix as the starter. Former four-star recruit Jack Tuttle played against Maryland then won his first career start at Wisconsin. True freshman Dexter Williams showed some real talent, according to the coaches and practice reports, and has the athleticism to contribute at other positions if that is eventually needed. McCulley will need some time to refine his game, particularly his footwork as he currently has the tendency to not get set before throwing the ball. The tools are there for him to develop into an All-Big Ten quarterback. It’s unclear what Michael Penix’s future holds after another ACL injury. If he can return healthy in 2021, the job is his with Tuttle as the backup, Williams as the third QB and McCulley redshirting. If Penix can’t go, everyone shifts up a spot. The earliest you would likely see McCulley competing for the starting quarterback position at Indiana is the 2022-2023 season. Regardless of the exact time he ends up getting the nod, Donaven McCulley is a valuable member of the this recruiting class that has an extremely bright future in Bloomington.