Miami not letting up on 5-star DL Dominick McKinley: “Seeing that they want me that badly is pretty surprising”
Since offering Lafayette (La.) Acadiana 2024 five-star defensive lineman Dominick McKinley last October, the Miami Hurricanes have continued to pursue the elite defender and have let it be known that they want him in Coral Gables.
“They talk about how they want me there and how I can make an impact in Miami,” McKinley told CaneSport. “I know they’re a great program, and seeing that they want me that badly is pretty surprising.”
Dennis Smith, a fellow Louisiana native and Hurricanes staff member, is leading the recruiting push for Miami, along with head coach Mario Cristobal. McKinley, who says he hears from Miami daily, says one of the things that jumps out the most about the Hurricanes is their persistent efforts to recruit him.
“Just seeing how all the coaches are reaching out,” McKinley said. “Their relationships with me and how they just don’t focus on football but your future and everything.”
Along with Miami’s tireless recruiting efforts, the 6-foot-5, 280-pounder is excited about the possibility of learning from Miami defensive line coach and NFL Hall of Famer, Jason Taylor.
“It’s pretty exciting,” McKinley said. “You can see what he experienced, and he can teach you everything.”
McKinley, who is the No. 1 overall prospect in the state of Louisiana according to the On3 Industry Ranking, went from a relatively unknown prospect to one of the most sought-after athletes in the 2024 cycle after finishing his junior season with 86 tackles, 10 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and a touchdown against some of the state’s top competition.
“The (recruiting) process has been good,” McKinley said. “I was surprised when it all happened.”
McKinley’s On3 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 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.
According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, LSU is the heavy favorite to land McKinley, who has an On3 NIL Valuation of $229,000. McKinley’s major focuses while making his final decision will be the community around the university and his bond with the coaching staff.
“I’ll be looking at how the community is and how the coaches are,” McKinley said. “Also, if I could live there or not for the next four years.”
CaneSport’s take
At the moment, the Hurricanes seem to be on the outside looking in regarding McKinley’s top schools, but that has not slowed down their recruiting effort whatsoever. Thus far, McKinley has official visits set up with Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Ohio State, so getting him down to Coral Gables would be a massive step in the right direction for the Hurricanes.
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