BREAKING: 5-star DL Dominick McKinley commits to LSU
LSU flipped Acadiana (La.) defensive lineman Dominick McKinley from Texas A&M at the stroke of midnight to kick off 2024 with a massive domino.
McKinley is a five-star and the No. 1 prospect in Louisiana, the No. 5 defensive lineman in America and the No. 27 overall prospect on the On3 Industry Rankings for the 2024 cycle. He had been committed to the Aggies since September 1.
LSU kicked in the door on McKinley’s recruitment during the in-home visit with head coach Brian Kelly and associate head coach Frank Wilson.
“I think (Kelly’s) message is more football-related,” Dominck McKinley’s mother, Angie, told The Bengal Tiger. “They were talking about the (Acadiana High) championship game and players on the team. It was just casual. It was fun and lighthearted. Not high pressure.
“I think LSU has that relationship with him. With them talking (Tuesday) night, it was a different vibe. He was relaxed and laughing. He’s coming out of his shell. The more you converse with a person, the more you get to know them. They had met Coach Kelly before, but this was really relaxed. The visit went really well.”
Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and others had been heavily pushing for McKinley, one of the nation’s top defensive linemen in America. Instead, it’s in-state LSU that reels in the 6-5, 280-pounder. His commitment gives LSU nine of the top 10 prospects in Louisiana and 11 of the top 13.
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Dominick’s younger brother, 2026 prospect Darryus McKinley, holds an LSU offer of his own as well. It’s a real scenario that both end up in Purple and Gold.
“The best part of this year was watching Dom and Darryus play together and be on the field at the same time,” Angie said. “They had a play at Edna Karr and Dom got a fumble recovery and was running down the field and Darryus was blocking for him, and it was just so cool to see. When they make a tackle, I ring the cowbell to make sure they hear me. It’s just a special time for us as a family.”
Dominick McKinley scouting report
“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.”
