LSU football defensive tackle Dominick McKinley ready for a breakout in second season
"He's such a great kid," Kelly said. "He's so grounded. He wants to get better every single day. And he has elite strength and numbers from that perspective."
Kelly's notes align with the recognition McKinley got from The Athletic's Bruce Feldman recently. He put McKinley at No. 6 on his annual list of college football freaks, which spotlights the sport's top athletes.
McKinley overcame an injury during fall camp last year to make 10 appearances and he came alive toward the back half of 2024. His 69.4 PFF defensive grade ranked fifth among SEC true freshmen at his position. He played 146 defensive snaps, including 23 between the Ole Miss game and the Texas Bowl against Baylor.
Through 10 games, McKinley made seven tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, and a fumble return. He shined brightest against Oklahoma, totaling three pressures and two sacks.
"He's still learning," Kelly said. "[Defensive line] Coach [Kyle] Williams has got him, with him right on his hip every day, but he's enjoyable to coach."
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