The senior season of Edmondson defensive end and Maryland commitment David Mackall wasn't without complication.

According to Edmondson head coach Dante Jones, Mackall battled through an injury throughout the majority of his season.

“He sprained his wrist probably Week 3, and he played through the whole season with the wrist the way it was,” Jones said. “... He was in excruciating pain, but he wanted it. He’s the type of kid that wants it. He wanted to play that bad.”

Mackall battled through the pain to record 91 tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, helping Edmondson to an 8-4 record. The Red Storm fell to Eastern Tech in the Class 2A North Regional championship game.

Jones thinks Mackall’s game and the emotion with which he plays makes him tailor-made for Maryland’s LEO position, a combination linebacker-defensive end.

“He’s a kid that plays with his heart out. He lays his heart out there every game; he goes all out,” Jones said. “He’s an extremely aggressive kid. The position that Maryland will have him play is the LEO position and it’s the perfect position for him. It fits him so well. He can put his hand down and come off the edge or stand up and read plays [and react].”

With the graduation of Trey Covington, there’s the possibility of early playing time for Mackall next season.

“He has an opportunity to come in and play, depending on how ready he is,” Jones said. “The ball actually lies in his court and he has to come in and perform. We tell the kids that redshirting is not a bad thing. At the same time, you want to put the pressure on the coaches to make the decision. Don’t make the decision for him. [So David’s] going to let the chips fall where they may.”

Mackall was only recently elevated to three-star status by Rivals.com, which also ranked him the country’s No. 25 strongside defensive end. Still, Jones said Mackall’s gotten used to playing under the radar, something he’ll continue to use to his advantage in College Park.

“He’ll do well at the next level,” Jones said. “In life sometimes you just have to prove some people wrong. You might not have as many stars behind you [compared with others], but each time you get on the field you can prove people wrong. That’s exactly what David does.”