Safety Prentice McKinney (TX) Verbally Commits to Notre Dame!

Coach Brian Kelly received his 4th verbal commitment for the 2015 class last night from S Prentice McKinney (Dallas, TX - South Oak Cliff).  He is listed at 6'2"/180 lbs.

McKinney committed to the Irish before heading to campus sometime later this spring or summer.  He chose Notre Dame over offers from Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and Nebraska among others.

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Recruiting Service Rankings:

ESPN - 3 star

Rivals - 3 star (#30 S, #64 TX), 5.6 Grade

Scout - 3 star (#34 S)

247Sports - 3 star (#35 S, #67 TX), 88 Grade

247Sports Composite Score - 3 star (0.8563, #645 Overall (#41 S, #82 TX)

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Highlights:

Highlights from hudl can be found HERE.

Impact:

Immediate Future:

McKinney is another big-bodied DB for the Irish, a trend really started by former DC Bob Diaco and now is becoming more popular with the success of the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL.  McKinney will likely need to add 20+ lbs to hit his college playing weight, but could easily step in as a freshman and contribute on special teams and 3^rd down situations.

Long Term/Career:

McKinney has all the attributes you want in a safety-size, speed and recognition ability.  He is a big hitting, physical guy near the line of scrimmage, and could have the potential to grow into more of a combo safety/outside linebacker like what has been seen this spring with John Turner and James Onwualu in practice.

He is probably under-rated by the services at this point, especially when taking his offer list into account.  He could easily move up the rankings, and will likely be a composite 4 star prospect by the time February rolls around.  Overall, he is a versatile addition to DC Brian VanGorder's new look defense.

Welcome to Notre Dame Prentice!