LSU checks in on 5-star defensive lineman

LSU Football is getting out in the state of Louisiana to recruit and is starting with one of the top targets on the board in the 2024 class.

2024 Acadiana (La.) defensive lineman Dominick McKinley was at LSU for an unofficial visit earlier this month. Thursday, LSU defensive coordinator Matt House is checking in on the five-star prospect.

Programs like Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and numerous others are also in play for McKinley. LSU leads the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

McKinley debuted in the updated 2024 On300 as the No. 14 overall prospect in the country. McKinley ranks as the No. 3 overall defensive lineman in America and the No. 1 prospect in Louisiana. His dominant season and measurables impressed On3 director of scouting Charles Power and the entire team.

“Dominick McKinley made the biggest debut of any prospect in the On300,” Power said. “One of the biggest drivers for that was watching his junior film. I think we were very impressed with his activity level, made a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. We thought he was a very strong run defender. Just getting verified measurements on him.”

He checked in with over 34-inch arms on multiple visits to go along with his 6-5, 280-pound frame, his length is impressive. He’s still scratching the surface of his potential though.

“When you combine the physical tools and how he employs them on the field already as a junior,” Power said, “he was one that we were really excited about and he’s just very projectable relative to his upside and the physical tools he has.”

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, McKinley ranks as the No. 19 overall prospect, No. 4 defensive lineman and No. 1 player in Louisiana.

Why LSU target Dominick McKinley is an elite prospect

A comparable player for Dominick McKinley is Pittsburgh Steelers defender Stephon Tuitt. His On3 scouting report raves about his upside.

“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 on tape. Measures in at 6-foot-5, 280-plus pounds with tremendous length. Jumped an absurd 30-inch 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 incredible 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. Not very nuanced as a pass rusher but will come with time and reps. High upside prospect who has the potential to become a first round draft selection.”

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