Although long to wait, LSU snags solid commitment from 2020 DT McKinley Jackson

It may be difficult to get all giggly about a player that LSU still has two full seasons to wait and until signing. But the verbal pledge of defensive tackle McKinley Jackson for the 2020 signing class could yield one of the best recruits that the Tigers have corralled in quite a while.

The 6-foot-2, 268 pound sophomore out of Lucedale, Mississippi already had offers from Alabama, Florida State, Memphis, Auburn, Ole Miss and ULL. He has tallied 81 tackles, an impressive 36 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, seven forced fumbles and three recoveries. LSU assistant Dennis Johnson has been responsible for his recruitment.

Jackson was escorted by his mom for the visit to LSU for this past weekend’s Texas A&M clash. He left feeling very comfortable with the atmosphere.

The LSU staff took notice of Jackson this past summer during camp workouts. He displayed a power move and super quick hands. Jackson is very advanced for a player who still has two full prep seasons to improve and mature. He also has an explosive first step, no wasted movement, locates ball quickly and rushes the passer relentlessly.

A lot can happen between now and 2020 signing day, but Ed Orgeron and staff did their due diligence and came up with a very good verbal pledge. It will be an ongoing process to keep McKinley Jackson in the fold.

How good is he? You hear Orgeron speak frequently about the impact Warren Sapp had while Orgeron was coaching the defensive line for the Miami Hurricanes. With expected improvement, this young man may be able to follow a similar developmental path.

Louisiana’s top prospect in the Class of 2019 is Amite defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher (6-5, 280). Things started slowly for LSU since the staff came in late and trailed Alabama, Oregon, Florida State, Auburn and Ole Miss. Since that period, the Rigers have jumped into the fray with the current top five which includes Florida, Florida State, Michigan and Ole Miss. Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Mississippi State and Penn State are on the periphery.

Although Orgeron is very much monitoring the process, offensive coordinator Matt Canada has been the primary recruiter. If for some reason Canada leaves the program, the Tigers will have to hurriedly have to fill that void.