Three intriguing position battles are happening on defense for Alabama football.
A true freshman is involved in one of them, but Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry is not your average freshman.
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He carries more confidence, swagger, ball skills, and physicality as a defensive back.
After spending his high school career under Sam Shade, a former Crimson Tide safety, the five-star chose Alabama in this year’s recruiting class.
McKinstry was a three-time state champion at Pinson Valley, and he thrived at wide receiver, cornerback, and return specialist. According to Justin Smith, scouting/recruiting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Kool-Aid is the best in-state talent he has seen from Alabama in a long time. Nick Saban raved about him during spring practice. He recorded an interception, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup to pair with three total tackles. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder is competing against Jalyn Armour-Davis for one of two starting jobs at cornerback. On Sunday, Tide defensive coordinator Pete Golding explained what impresses him the most about McKinstry.
“He is a very talented kid,” Golding said.
“He’s got the length we want, he’s got short-area quickness, he can run, and he has top-end speed. He plays offense, returns punts, he has ball skills. The most impressive thing about him in spring was he’ll come up and put his face on you. A lot of guys are hesitant, but he is more physical. He understands the game. He does process very well.”
If McKinstry generates consistency, he will become a special player in Tuscaloosa.
He is in a great spot to possibly start. Everyone will be watching the battle between him and Armour-Davis.
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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.
