He is drawing Nick Saban’s attention, and the Alabama head football coach sees his potential.
After Friday’s scrimmage, Saban could not leave his presser without providing an assessment of Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry.
According to respectable sources, he took reps with the second-team defense. The talented true freshman worked opposite Marcus Banks at cornerback. McKinstry did not record an interception; however, he did break up a couple of passes.
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In competing against Bryce Young, sources told yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine that the five-star held his own against the sophomore quarterback. McKinstry kept plays in front of him, and Young could not connect on a deep ball over the top of him. He handled the Crimson Tide’s receivers on the outside, and Saban told reporters that McKinstry is ‘making progress.’
*Coach Saban talks McKinstry at the 7:12 mark
“He is showing that he has some ability to contribute to the team,” Saban said. “I think he has to play with more consistency at his position. I think he’s shown a lot of maturity. He’s played with toughness. I am not satisfied with where he is, but I am certainly pleased with his progress.”
Before the scrimmage, Saban said McKinstry was ‘picking things up’ and ‘moving along.’
The Birmingham native had a good outing at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He will have a second opportunity to build off this moment next week.
If he can turn in another positive scrimmage, McKinstry will be ready to show fans his skills at the A-Day Game on Saturday, April 17. He has a long way to go, but Kool-Aid is off to a strong start in impressing coaches and teammates.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
