Notre Dame reshaped its secondary with the addition of former Colorado cornerback DJ McKinney during the portal period, a move that resonates with evaluators who believe the Irish are getting a proven Power Four defender still ascending.
Among them is Clay Mack, a Texas-based defensive backs trainer who has worked with elite talent across the region and views McKinney’s profile as one that translates well to the highest level.
“First of all, his length,” Mack said of the 6-foot, 190-pound McKinney. “He has length, he’s mentally tough, and his mentality is that he wants to be good. Those are the things that stick out to me.”
McKinney will arrive in South Bend after two seasons at Colorado, where he became a fixture in the Buffaloes’ secondary after starting his career at Oklahoma State. He finished his time in Boulder with 95 tackles and 13 pass breakups across 22 starts, production that reflected both reliability and physical engagement on the perimeter.
The 6-foot, 190-pound McKinney brings a frame that fits the prototype of a modern corner, but Mack believes there is more athletic upside than his usage has always revealed.
“He’s athletic, and honestly more athletic than what he sometimes gets credit for,” Mack said. “Sometimes you’re not asked to do certain things, so you get pigeonholed a little bit. But he’s really, really athletic.”
That athletic base naturally lends itself to flexibility within a defensive scheme.
“You have to be athletic to play corner,” he said. “That’s a prerequisite. Then you stack your skill set on top of that. He has all the attributes it takes to be who he’s become and who he’s trying to be.”
The opportunity at Notre Dame will offer McKinney a stage that aligns with both his skill set and mindset.
“It’s another chance to showcase himself at an elite level,” Mack said. “To prove he can play with other elite guys around him.”
Off the field, Mack described McKinney as steady and understated, a personality that meshes well with environments centered on accountability.
“He’s really laid back,” said Mack. “Not loud, not flashy. He’s social enough, but he’s calm, nonchalant. He brings a certain serenity about him.”
That temperament is part of why Mack sees the fit with Notre Dame as natural.
“When you watch Notre Dame Football, you see consistency,” Mack said. “You see guys executing at a high level because they take pride in their responsibilities.
“There’s an aura that comes with being there. Coach (Marcus) Freeman has done a great job maintaining that integrity, and I think DJ fits that. He thrives in accountability-driven environments.”
For McKinney, the move to South Bend represents another proving ground, one that combines structure, expectation and opportunity. Those who know him best believe that combination could bring out the best version of his game.
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Logo Brands 50" x 60" Classic Vertical Stripe Fleece Throw Blanket
