Louisiana DL Dominick McKinley debuts in 5-star range for On3
If the final rankings were released now, 2024 Acadiana (La.) defensive lineman Dominick McKinley would be a five-star prospect. McKinley debuts 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.”
A comparable player for Dominick McKinley is Pittsburgh Steelers defender Stephon Tuitt, A’Shon Robinson.
“Big framed, 6-4, 6-5 defensive linemen who can get off blocks and really create some issues for teams for offensive line along the interior. Ability to shed blocks and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.”
According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, McKinley ranks as the No. 18 overall prospect, No. 4 defensive lineman and No. 1 player in Louisiana.
Dominick McKinley makes a huge statement with junior year
The 6-5, 270-pound prospect landed Class 5A All-State Honorable Mention honors after a strong junior season. He finished the year with 86 tackles, 10 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a touchdown against some of the state’s top competition.
“I feel like I have a big role with directing and telling them how to do it and what to do,” McKinley said of what he brings to the table. “The coaches do it, but sometimes I have to tell my teammates what to do.”
Miami, Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, Ole Miss and LSU are among the programs heavily involved with him. The Tigers lead the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. LSU, Oklahoma and Texas hosted him in January.
Dominick McKinley isn’t sure of which schools stand out to him right now. He’s still diving into the recruiting process and hasn’t planned any visits in March, yet.
“I’m looking at graduation rates and academics,” he said of his priorities.
