Heading down under: Donnell signs with Australian pro league
SYDNEY, Australia – Former Tennessee Tech defensive back DeMario Donnell will get to suit up once again as the Golden Eagle standout heads down under to continue his football career as he signed with the National Gridiron League’s Sydney Express.
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
SYDNEY, Australia – Former Tennessee Tech defensive back DeMario Donnell will get to suit up once again as the Golden Eagle standout heads down under to continue his football career as he signed with the National Gridiron League's Sydney Express.
"It's such a blessing to be able to play professional ball," Donnell said. "It's something many men dream to do. My family and friends are proud and it's leading me in the right direction to complete many other goals."
Donnell, 22, a Nashville product from Pearl-Cohn High School, played four seasons for the Golden Eagles, finishing up in the 2015 campaign.
He ended his career with 132 tackles, 18 deflections, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
The Express and the American-styled NGL are entering their first season of competition and will play their first games on October 9.
"When you're the first, you always go down in history," Donnell said. "I'm thankful to be chosen out of so many potential prospects."
It was also a different course that led Donnell to the Australian league.
"I came across some important information, then I sent my highlights and combine stats in," Donnell said. "About a month later, I started to receive calls. Before you know it, I received a contract to play."
Travel is nothing new for the hard-hitting Tech defender as the Golden Eagles traveled all over the country to play some of the toughest teams in the country.
But even going to Australia is something new for Donnell.
"Tech definitely took me around the U.S.," he said. "My freshman year — the trip to the University of Oregon — that was the first time I ever rode in an airplane. This business trip to Australia will be amazing. This will be my first time traveling out of the country. I'm anxious to begin this journey."
Donnell and the Sydney Express will open the season on the road on October 9 as they take on the Gold Coast Kings in Brisbane, Australia.
Donnell isn't the only Golden Eagle to play in the league, however.
Marcus Edwards, who was a standout outside linebacker with the Golden Eagles from 2009 to 2012 -- including Tech's 2011 Ohio Valley Conference championship-winning squad -- is playing defensive end with the Logan City Wolverines.
Edwards, from Alabaster, Ala., recorded 131 tackles with Tech as well as 15.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss.
The Wolverines will open their season on Oct. 16 against Central Coast.
The league currently also has five other Ohio Valley Conference players with Vernon "Shaq" Anthony (Tennessee State) on Logan City's roster, Murray State's Duane Brady and Dontrell Johnson playing for the Brisbane Outlaws, Tennessee State's DeShawn Byrd playing for Gold Coast and Eastern Illinois' Aldophus Barnes playing for Sydney.
