O'Donnell's soon-to-be home, after signing a national letter of intent Wednesday morning to play for the University of Miami, is Coral Gables, Fla.
"There were several reasons why I chose Miami, but mainly it was the coaching," said the 6-foot-6, 235-pound defensive end, surrounded by family and friends in C.B. East's library. "I have a lot of faith in Al Golden and his staff."
It was at Temple, during a one-day camp before his junior year, that O'Donnell, who doubled at tight end, first impressed Golden.
A year later, after Golden left North Broad Street to take charge of the Hurricanes, a hand-written note asking O'Donnell to attend Miami's camp arrived in the mail. Another strong showing, especially in one-on-one drills, led to an immediate scholarship offer.
Said O'Donnell's father, John: "[Miami assistant] Art Kehoe told me afterward, 'Your kid came down here and put on a clinic. He showed the Southern boys what the Northern boys can do.' "
John O'Donnell added that his son "always liked to hit," which aided a brief ice hockey career. Before deciding to concentrate on football, the senior played forward for the Warwick Aces and C.B. East's club squad.
His first taste of football came in the seventh grade, while at Holicong Middle School. "My dad told me I should try it, and I was pretty good at it," he said.
Jake O'Donnell, a three-year contributor for the Patriots, has bench-pressed 305 pounds and squatted 475. He has been clocked at 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
"He's got a rare combination of size and speed," said C.B. East coach John Donnelly, who coached O'Donnell the last two seasons. "He's got all the physical tools, and he's still growing into his body."
The two-way fixture had 10 scholarship offers. Boston College, West Virginia, Syracuse, and Temple were also in the mix.
