DE; 6-3; 260; St. Matthews, S.C.;
Calhoun County High School
(Committed to UK last year but did not qualify academically; played last season at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy)
Rivals: ★ ★ ★; Scout: ★ ★ ★ ★

What UK says: Talented lineman with the size and strength to play tackle and also the quickness needed to play at end … Originally signed with Kentucky a year ago, he spent the 2008 season at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy … His prep season included a game against the Kentucky junior varsity, in which he made two tackles for loss, including a quarterback sack … Coached at Fork Union by John Shuman … As a high-school senior, earned first-team all-state honors, covering all classifications, by The Associated Press and the Columbia State newspaper … Also first-team all-state for Class AA by the High School Sports Report … Totaled 107 tackles during senior season, including 14 quarterback sacks, for Calhoun County HS in St. Matthews, S.C. … Chosen for the South Carolina vs. North Carolina Shrine Bowl and played for the winning squad … Made 65 tackles and five sacks during his junior season … Coached by Walter Wilson … Member of the Calhoun County basketball team which won three consecutive state championships and had a winning streak of more than 70 games … An uncle, Chris Rumph, is an assistant coach at Clemson … Cousin of Philip Merling, former Clemson star who is now a defensive end with the Miami Dolphins.

What Rich Brooks says: “Donte is a guy that should be competing for playing time immediately. He signed with us a year ago but took a year in prep school to prepare himself for the next step. We played against him in the JV game and he was very impressive making plays. He did a great job of pressuring the quarterback and making tackles behind the line of scrimmage.”