Marion High School senior Jake McDonald has decided to continue his stellar football career at Coe College.

McDonald, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker, led the Metro in tackles last season with 135 and finished his career with 325, including 36 tackles for loss.

"After much contemplation and weighing all the factors, I have decided to continue my education and football career at Coe College," he informed the Metro Sports Report in an e-mail Monday night. "It was a very difficult decision, but in the end Coe fit the criteria I was looking for."

McDonald was a first team all-state selection in Class 3A by the Des Moines Register and the Iowa Newspaper Association. He will play in the Shrine Bowl in Ames on July 21.

McDonald also played fullback at Marion and carried the ball 34 times for 204 yards last season. He caught five passes for 44 yards.