Marcus Banks entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal, and we see the reason behind it.
Alabama fans wish him well, but the program has a freshman that can be very special.
Since his arrival on the University of Alabama campus as a five-star, Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry has made headlines.
He was a superstar at Pinson (Ala.) Valley High School and Coach Nick Saban yelled his name all spring. McKinstry is the backup cornerback behind Jalyn Armour-Davis, but he earned his first start against Mercer. He recorded his first interception and excited fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Banks was Josh Jobe’s backup, but Saban went with McKinstry to start in place of Jobe (toe) versus LSU. The freshman did not allow any big plays, and Saban was pleased with his performance.
McKinstry could be seeing more opportunities with Banks transferring, and his teammates are ready. During today’s player interviews, Jameson Williams (receiver), DJ Dale (defensive line), and Malachi Moore (defensive back) spoke about the talented star from Birmingham.
Williams said McKinstry is on the rise.
“Kool-Aid is real shifty,” Williams said. “He’s real crafty to be a young defensive back. He’s a freshman, but he has a lot of room to grow. He has some things I’ve never seen other defensive backs do. I go to him and say ‘yo that’s tough, where did you get that from?’ He’s getting better from competing against me, John Metchie, and other wide receivers in practice.”
DJ Dale, a Birmingham native, sees McKinstry as a brother to him.
“I love Kool-Aid. He’s family to me,” Dale said. “I have been very impressed but not surprised. I’ve watched him play in high school and middle school. Kool-Aid has always been athletic, humble, energetic, and fun to be around. He is a great person overall.”
Moore said McKinstry brings a ‘killer mentality’ to Alabama.
“Kool-Aid has been growing every week since he got here in the spring,” Moore said. “He’s learning the defense more; he’s learning the adjustments and playing faster. He is calm, cool, and collected. Kool-Aid never lets the moment get too high or too low for him. He is always relaxed.”
During its 2015 and 2020 national championship seasons, Alabama had a freshman in the secondary making plays. Minkah Fitzpatrick did it in 2015, and Moore was the star in 2020. McKinstry has that kind of ability, and fans want to see him more.
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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.
