One of LSU's top freshmen got his first career snaps vs. UCLA. Here's how he fared.

UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) struggles to get up after the sack by LSU defensive tackle Dominick McKinley (96) as McKinley celebrates with LSU defensive end Sai'vion Jones (35) and LSU defensive end Bradyn Swinson (4) in the first half, Saturday, September 21, 2024, on the campus of LSU in Baton Rouge, La. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Former five-star defensive tackle signee Dominick McKinley earned his first career collegiate snaps on Saturday in LSU's 34-17 win over UCLA . McKinley rotated onto the No.

16 Tigers' defensive line in their opening series on defense. He then earned his first career sack two possessions later, when he tripped up UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers on a first and 10. Coach Brian Kelly said last Thursday before LSU beat South Carolina that McKinley had dealt with a turf toe injury earlier in the season.



“He's doing a really good job,” Kelly said. “He's a young man that we have an eye toward playing this year, but we’ve got to get him healthy first.” Now, McKinley can contribute snaps on an LSU defensive line that's missing Jacobian Guillory , the senior who will miss the rest of the season while he recovers from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in the Tigers' win over Nicholls State.

On Saturday, the LSU defense ceded 206 yards and 17 points to UCLA in the first half. But it allowed the Bruins to gain only 89 yards across the third and fourth quarters — a season-low for a half. It finished the game with five sacks, five hurries and two takeaways.

Next, LSU (3-1) will host South Alabama in its final game before No. 5 Ole Miss visits Tiger Stadium Oct. 12.

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