Aaron Charles Donald is an American football defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League.
Education
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Donald attended Penn Hills High School. He was selected first team All-State Class American Association of Advertising Agencies in each of his final two seasons, and compiled 63 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 11 sacks as a senior. He also started at offensive guard.
Considered a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, he was rated as the 37th best defensive tackle in the nation.
He committed to hometown Pittsburgh over other scholarship offers from Toledo, Akron and Rutgers.
Career
He played college football at Pittsburgh, where he was recognized as a unanimous All-American, and was drafted by the Rams in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. As a freshman, Donald played in all 13 games as a reserve defensive tackle. He recorded 11 tackles, including three for loss, and two sacks.
In 2011, as a sophomore, Donald moved into the starting lineup, and turned in a breakout campaign.
He recorded 47 tackles, including 16 for loss, 11 sacks and one forced fumble, and was named a second-team All-Big East selection. 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.
In his senior season, he became one of the most productive defensive players in the entire National Collegiate Athletic Association. He posted 59 tackles, including a career best 28.5 for loss, 11 sacks and four forced fumbles.