Name:  Xavier McDonald
 
Year: 2024 (Senior)
 
Position: Striker
 
Height: 5'11"
 
Weight: 205
 
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Fla.
 
High School: Northeast 
 
Major: Operations Research
 
What do you want to do after graduation and why?  I'm currently looking into Naval Aviation. Their lifestyle and the quality of their daily work seems to be the best fit for me.
 
Why did you choose Navy?  Navy was the only college where I knew that if football didn't work out, I had my degree and experience at the Academy to lean on. Also, the praise that the Academy gets was very appealing to me.
 
What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football? I would tell them that at Navy, you get the best of both worlds; An opportunity to play FBS football and receive some of the best education in the country. Make sure that you're willing to accept the challenges that come with these opportunities as well.
 
If you could play another position, what position would you play and why? I would definitely play QB. Being able to control the whole offense and the outcome of a play always depending on you is exciting.
 
If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule who would you choose and why?
I would like to play against either Florida State University or the University of Florida. I have a lot of friends and former teammates who play for these two schools. These schools were also family favorites while I was growing up.
 
Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why?  My favorite class is Leadership. You learn a lot about yourself and how to lead others. They teach you the basics of communication, love, respect and many other attributes that will help you become a better leader.
 
Hardest class at the Naval Academy and why?
My hardest class that I've taken so far has been English. I am terrible at writing papers so it took a lot of extra work and EI to get through it.
 
Favorite teacher at the Naval Academy and why? Major Eanett has been my favorite teacher. He is very enthusiastic about his job and you could tell that he loved teaching the material. I never thought I would be so interested in Naval History but he made it happen somehow.
 
Favorite form of social media and why? Instagram simply because you have access to almost anyone or anything in the world through this app.
 
Favorite person to follow on social media and why?  Cam Kinley @ck3thethrill. He's someone that I look up to and he posts a lot of inspirational stuff.
 
If you could have dinner with any 4 people at the Naval Academy who would you choose?: Jordan Sanders, Tiki Moore, Jacob Busic and Matthew Peters. That would probably be the funniest dinner ever.
 
Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why?  Lacrosse. I have a lot of friends who are on the lacrosse team and both the men's and women's teams have been good the past couple years.
 
If you didn't play football at Navy, what sport would you play and why?  I would probably go run track. I ran track in high school just to help me in football but I started to excel as time went on. Definitely would be a sprinter because long distance is not my thing.
 
What song is playing on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the field?  B.M.F. by Rick Ross ft. Styles P
 
What is your dream vacation? I've always wanted to go to Greece and live on the beach
 
How many teams should make the FBS Playoffs?  8 teams


What is the best thing about being in the American Athletic Conference? There's competition with every game. There are no easy games. All of these teams can compete with power 5 schools and that is what makes this conference great.
 
Favorite Coach Newberry Saying:  "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"
 
How would you describe Coach Chesnut's Offense: Strategic
 
How would you describe Coach Volker's Defense: Relentless
 
One word to describe a Navy Football player:  Gritty
 
Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2023 and why?  Brandon Chatman. Speed Kills
 
Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2023? Justin Reed. He has really improved and displayed his talents during spring ball.
 
Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team and why? Will Harbour 100%
 
What player epitomizes Navy Football and why?  Daba Fofana. Work ethic and determination are unmatched in the classroom as well as on the field
 
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on offense in 2023?   Daba Fofana
 
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on defense in 2023?  Xavier McDonald. Speak it into existence
 
What are you most looking forward to in 2023? A new season with new opponents and new teammates. Also, it's my last ride so I plan on helping our class go out with a bang.