LSU DT earns honor from SEC after Oklahoma performance

LSU true freshman defensive tackle emerging as a key difference maker, earning honors from SEC.

LSU football’s [autotag]Dominick McKinley[/autotag] capped his first season with a strong performance against Oklahoma. On Monday, the SEC rewarded McKinley with the Freshman of the Week award.

Following the win, LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said McKinley was unblockable. McKinley came up big with two sacks and three stops on the night.

His three sacks are tied for most among true freshman defensive tackles in the Power Four. A five-star in LSU’s 2024 class, McKinley is starting to emerge as a key part of LSU’s future.

LSU needed an influx of talent at defensive tackle. McKinley was the headliner of a strong defensive line class that also included Ahmad Breaux. Both were ready to contribute early.

McKinley didn’t enroll early and dealt with an injury throughout fall camp. Considering that, he’s ahead of schedule in his development. With a full offseason under defensive line coach Bo Davis, McKinley can be an all-conference caliber player.

LSU needs its defense to take another step forward next year. The emergence of McKinley should give LSU confidence in that happening.