Meet Aaron Donald: The St. Louis Rams’ Defensive Ace

Dec 26, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald (97) holds the lineman of the game trophy after defeating Bowling Green Falcons 30-27 to win the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Donald In College

As a freshmen Donald played in all 13 games, but played as a reserve defensive tackle. Donald tailed 11 tackles including two sacks. Donald knew he could have a shot at the starting lineup if he improved in the preseason and did so his sophomore year.

Donald would move into a starting role and would make a name for himself now at Pittsburgh. Number 97 would be named a second-team All-Big East selection. He was nominated for this selection because of his 47 tackles, 11 sacks and one forced fumble.

Junior year came around as he recorded even more insane numbers. As a junior, he recorded 64 tackles, including 18.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, earning first-team All-BIG EAST honors. Donald was soon becoming the most feared defensive tackle in the NCAA, and proved that his senior year.

In his senior season, he became one of the most productive and outstanding defensive players in the entire NCAA. He posted 59 tackles, including a career best 28.5 for loss, 11 sacks and four forced fumbles. Because of this, he was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous All-American. Donald was an absolute warrior on the defensive line, and that caught the eye of the powerful St. Louis Rams defense.

Next: Donald and the St. Louis Rams