Five-star DL Dominick McKinley ready to wreak havoc

LSU freshman defensive tackle Dominick McKinley arrived in Baton Rouge this summer with high expectations after signing with the Tigers as the No. 1 prospect in Louisiana.

McKinley, one of America’s top defensemen, revealed his commitment to Brian Kelly and his team on New Year’s Eve before signing his contract during the February signing period.

McKinley’s recruitment was a real struggle after he stuck with his commitment to Texas A&M, but with LSU still nibbling away, the Bayou Bengals were able to get him done late in the season.

Now, after joining campus as a summer student, McKinley is in Death Valley with the opportunity to see the field during his first year in purple and gold.

For Kelly and defensive line coach Bo Davis, the addition of McKinley quickly became a critical move because of the lack of depth on the interior defensive line.

The Bayou State’s top prospect has turned heads in his first few weeks with the program and his work in the weight room throughout the spring has paid off.

The freshman phenom weighed between 275 and 285 pounds during his senior year of high school with Acadiana (La.), but he bulked up considerably this offseason.

McKinley now stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 316 pounds heading into his first season with the Bayou Bengals.

Plain and simple: McKinley should take snaps in his first season in Baton Rouge due to depth issues and the Tigers have been pleased with his development so far.

He hit the weight room hard on his own in the spring and continued that momentum once he enrolled at LSU in the summer.

According to a source, McKinley has been impressive this offseason and has quickly bonded with his teammates.

The transition to SEC ball is a challenge for any position group, but when it comes to the defensive line, it’s a significant adjustment.

For McKinley, he’ll be expected to take important snaps down the stretch of the season.

LSU added McKinley and transfers Jay’Viar Suggs (Grand Valley State) and Gio Paez (Wisconsin) this offseason to add depth up front.

Veteran defender Jacobian Guillory could be considered a starter, but whoever is next to him for Week 1 against USC will be one to watch.

We’ll see McKinley, Suggs and Paez battle it out for the second defensive tackle spot with offensive lineman-turned-defensive lineman Kimo Makeneole also entering the mix.

Despite McKinley’s high expectations, LSU’s staff will remain patient with his development this year. Yes, he’ll take key snaps during fall camp with the opportunity to carve out a role, but his technique will be a big part to watch under Bo Davis.

Expect the freshman phenom to make an immediate impact in his first season with the Tigers with an impressive staff monitoring his progress heading into the fall.

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