“With the humidity, I’m used to it by now. I’ve adjusted.”
McDonough, who is a senior, has also adjusted to life playing against top-level NCAA players.
The Pride went 4-8 and 2-6 in the Colonia Athletic Conference’s North Division. Still, McDonough proved to be a reliable defensive back, as he had four interceptions in 12 games.
“I still thought I could have played better,” said McDonough, who added 55 tackles. “I’ve since thought about the losses from last year, because I missed a tackle or two that might have made a difference.
“I see and think about it when I’m watching film. Some might think I’m satisfied with what I’ve accomplished, but that’s not the case.”
McDonough also finished with 27 solo tackles a season after transferring from Glendale college. He had been named to the J.C. Grid Wire All-American team after registering eight interceptions with the Vaqueros in 2007.
Before arriving at Glendale college, McDonough excelled at St. Francis, where he picked up All-Mission League and All-Area accolades.
What he learned playing for St. Francis Coach Jim Bonds and veteran Glendale college Coach John Cicuto helped McDonough make a smooth transition to Hofstra, which will kick off its season Sept. 5 with a nonconference home game against Stony Brook University.
“Coach Bonds and Coach Cicuto helped me out quite a bit,” said McDonough, who recovered one fumble last season. “They taught me ways to get better and helped develop me into becoming a leader.
