Cornerback Dondi ‘Tweak’ Kirby Jr. from Monroeville Gateway

Dondi Kirby is a 6’3” cornerback from Pennsylvania powerhouse Monroeville Gateway. He currently holds 12 offers from some of the top schools in the country including Ohio State, Iowa, Maryland, NC State, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia. With size and 4.5 speed, teams are excited about the tall cover corner with run stopping ability.

By Steve Patterson

We recently contacted Kirby about his recruitment and his play on the field at Gateway. “My best attributes, I would have to say, for 1 is my size. There aren't a lot of 6 ft 3 200 pound corners out there.” he explained about his national appeal to major college programs. “My second would have to be my physicality. I’m very physical at the line.” he told us. “My third would have to be my jumping ability. Last summer in one of our 7 on 7's in Maryland and I jumped over Brandon Coleman who is a 5 star WR at 6 ft 7. I jumped over him in a 1 on 1 situation jump ball and I came down with it.”

“The highlight of my career would have to be my INT in our championship game at Heinz Field.” he reported about the state finals game this past year. That interception was the fourth of his junior season. “My stats from last year: I had 45 tackles,4 Interceptions,3 Force Fumbles,5 pass break-ups. And on Offense: 7 catches, 115 yards, and 1 touchdown.”

On a recent visit to Ohio State with his high school coach and his Gateway teammate Armstead Williams, Kirby received an offer from the Buckeyes. This follows offers from Iowa and North Carolina the week prior. Two graduated Monroeville players are on the current Buckeyes roster in Dorian Bell and Corey Brown. Both highly regarded defensive players that are making their way up the depth charts in Columbus.

In respect to college visits, Kirby has now made it to four campuses. “I have visited Ohio St, Syracuse, WVU, Pitt and they were all beautiful campuses.” He hopes to visit all the schools at the top of his scholarship list when his senior season is finished.

And his scholarship list continues to grow. “I have over 12 offers and I am getting recruited by Florida, Alabama, USC, Miami(FL) and lots of others.” Kirby seems excited about the Buckeye offer but is keeping his options open. “As of right now i don't have a favorite school. My decision is open to all.” he explained to us.