Jacob MacDonald joins the Big Red after helping the USHL's Waterloo Blackhawks surge into the playoffs, finishing second on the team in scoring despite his post on the blue line.
He discusses his quick ascension from the midget level, to juniors, to Cornell and what fans can expect to see out of him on the ice.

Q: For fans who haven't seen you play yet, how would you describe your game?
A: I'd say I'm a two-way defenseman. I can join the rush, play a little offense, but always getting back playing defense, too. That's the way it has to be.

Q: Tell me about last year in Waterloo.
A: It was a lot of fun. Started out really hot with a lot of points, then I slowly progressed throughout the season. We ended up making run in February and making the playoffs, so it was a lot of fun going to the playoffs two straight years.

Q: You finished the season second on the team in scoring despite being a blueliner. Did you expect that sort of thing?
A: I didn't really expect it, no. We had a lot of guys who were offensive, so something like half the team was at 20 points or more. I just played on the power play a lot, and we had one of best power plays in the league, so that helped.

Q: You joined the team halfway through the 2009-10 season from Compuware. What was that process like?
A: I went with another guy I played with at Compuware, and they called me out for a tryout weekend around Thanksgiving. For three or four days, I skated with team and ended up making it. They called me over Christmas. I actually ended up leaving on Christmas Day; 16 years old and a nine-hour drive.

Q: So to go from midgets to Cornell in two years seems like a big step. Does it feel like it's happened fast?
A: I think so. Waterloo was the best year and a half of my life to date. I really enjoyed it. And in terms of hockey, absolutely, it's been fast. Two years ago, being at Cornell was probably the last thing I would've expected. But I'm very thankful for the opportunity I got to put me here today.

Q: Tell me about the recruiting process. Were there a lot of schools involved?
A: There were a few. But when I came to visit Cornell in February, I saw the overtime winner against St. Lawrence. It was an unbelievable experience to watch that game with the fan, and that sold me on it. The game was on Saturday, I flew back to Waterloo on Sunday, then I committed on Monday. It didn't take long for that decision.

Q: Was your search nationwide?
A: I would say so. There were some Ivies included. My dad wanted me to go to an Ivy League school, and why wouldn't he? He was in favor of Ivy League school, and so was I when I came here. What really sold me was that game.