Former S.C. State receiver McDonald returns to Miami Dolphins with work unfinished
Former South Carolina State wide receiver Tyler McDonald thought early last week that he soon would be back in his home state. He didn’t believe it would be as a member of the Miami Dolphins.
McDonald was cut by the Dolphins last Monday and went to spend a few days with family members in Orlando, Fla., before making the trip back to South Carolina. But before he left to come home, his agent called and said Miami was interested in bringing him back.
McDonald continued to train in Orlando and eventually was re-signed by the Dolphins at the end of last week. He is in Spartanburg with the rest of Miami’s team for joint practices with the Panthers before the two teams play a preseason game Saturday night in Charlotte.
“It’s definitely been interesting to say the least,” McDonald said. “It’s just one of those things where you’ve got to stay strong in what you believe in and just believe in the process and keep working hard.”
McDonald was one of the last players off the field following Wednesday’s practice, running routes and catching passes for about 30 minutes after most players had left.
“Since I’ve gotten back, I’ve been wanting to make sure I’ve been on top of my game, especially with me being on the brink and me having a year off last year dealing with an injury,” he said. “I’m still trying to knock off a little bit of rust ... so every extra rep, every extra route, every extra catch I can get I need to get it.”
McDonald was not picked in the 2014 NFL Draft despite a strong senior season with the Bulldogs, when he caught 51 passes for 956 yards and seven touchdowns. As a senior against Clemson, he hauled in four passes for 138 yards and two scores.
McDonald was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2014 season but was cut shortly thereafter, in large part due to a severe hamstring injury he suffered early in training camp.
Following several months of rehab and training, he is hoping to make his mark with the Dolphins. McDonald said that his time at S.C. State makes him more appreciative of being given a second chance.
“I think coming from a small school that doesn’t get much respect, it teaches you to work a lot harder and appreciate what you do get,” he said.
McDonald is battling for a roster spot with former Coastal Carolina wide receiver Matt Hazel. The second-year pro spent most of last season on Miami’s practice squad before suffering an injury, and Hazel believes he’s ready to take the next step with the Dolphins.
“I’m a lot more comfortable. I understand the offense a lot more,” Hazel said. “I understand the different reads, how to run different routes and then just being versatile, playing different positions in the offense and learning how to take care of your body as well.”
This story was originally published August 21, 2015 at 10:17 PM with the headline "Former S.C. State receiver McDonald returns to Miami Dolphins with work unfinished."