Cole McDonald ranks fourth all-time on the UH passing list with 8,032 yards and 70 touchdowns. AP file photo

The Maui News

University of Hawaii quarterback Cole McDonald announced Wednesday that he will forgo his senior season and declare for the NFL draft.

In a Twitter post, McDonald thanked his teammates, coaches and others in the Rainbow Warriors program.

“Coming to Hawaii has been the greatest experience of my life so far,” the redshirt junior from La Mirada, Calif., wrote in a post titled “Thank You Rainbow Warrior Nation” in all caps. “I learned about the aloha spirit, the kindness of the people, the spirit of ohana, and the pride that emanates every day on the island. Hawaii changed me and taught me so many things I would not be able to learn anywhere else. I have grown to truly love the island and its people.”

In his UH career, McDonald passed for 8,032 yards and 70 touchdowns while also rushing for another 880 yards and 12 TDs. He led the Rainbow Warriors to bowl games in both his seasons as the primary starter at quarterback, including a 38-34 victory over BYU in the Hawaii Bowl last month that capped a 10-5 season.

McDonald threw for five TDs and ran for another against the Cougars in what turned out to be his final collegiate game. He was named the game’s MVP.

McDonald’s 4,135 passing yards this season is the eighth-highest single-season total in school history, while his career total ranks fourth behind only Timmy Chang, Colt Brennan and Bryant Moniz.

“I will forever be greatful to the University of Hawaii for being the only school to offer me the chance to play Division 1 football,” McDonald wrote. “I will always carry Hawaii on my arm, but more importantly Hawaii will always be in my heart. With much Aloha, Mahalo Nui Loa Hawaii and I can’t wait to see you again!”