5-star DL Dominick McKinley signs with LSU Tigers

Lafayette (La.) Acadiana Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Dominick McKinley has signed with LSU, the school announced on Wednesday.

McKinley originally committed to Texas A&M in September over the Tigers, as well as Texas, Oklahoma and Ohio State. But after the firing of head coach Jimbo Fisher in December, he opted not to sign with the Aggies during the Early Signing Period.

At 12:01 a.m. ET on January 1, he flipped his commitment to the Tigers, giving them their first five-star commitment in the 2024 cycle. After taking his official visit to Baton Rouge in January, he now joins LSU’s top-10 recruiting class under Brian Kelly.

The 6-foot-5, 280-pounder is the No. 13 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 3 defensive lineman and the No. 1 recruit in Louisiana.

Dominick McKinley Scouting Summary

“Imposing interior defensive line prospect who combines pure power with impressive explosiveness and hand usage at the point of attack. Stature immediately catches your eye. Measures in at 6-foot-5, 280-plus pounds with tremendous length. Jumped an 30 inches in the vertical and ran a sub-5.0 40-yard dash during the summer camp circuit prior to his junior season. Threw 47-foot-11 in the shot put as well during his junior track and field campaign. Plays with outstanding leverage for someone his size. Possesses the ability to anchor at the point of attack.

Uses his length effectively in order to gain control of his opponent. Sheds blockers with ease in the run game. Can really dig in and unlock his hips in order to maintain control at the point. Disruptive player who can knife between opponents and live in the backfield. Excellent get off and ability to penetrate off the snap. Finished his junior season with 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Not very nuanced as a pass rusher but will come with time and reps. High upside prospect with the potential to develop into an early round draft pick.”