Alabama football kicked off fall camp Thursday, Aug. 4.
Fans of the Crimson Tide are excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program look to reclaim the crown of national champions. With the start of college football quickly approaching, the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews of the top 30 players on Alabama’s roster.
After previewing Jase McClellan, we made it to cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry at No. 19.
Kool-Aid McKinstry
-Classification: Sophomore
–Position: Cornerback
-Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
-Height: 6-1
-Weight: 188 pounds
–Strengths: Quickness, long, athleticism, good tackler, improved body (bulked up), fast learner (All-SEC Freshman Team)
-Weaknesses: Needs more starting experience, does not have elite speed
SUMMARY:
Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry arrived in the 2021 class as a five-star athlete with the best nickname.
He won three Class 6A State Championships in four years at Pinson (Ala.) Valley High School, playing defensive back and wide receiver. McKinstry dreamed of coming to the University of Alabama and winning a national championship. He came short of it last season as the Crimson Tide lost to Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Indianapolis.
McKinstry played in 15 games as a freshman, including four starts. He earned the starting nod against Auburn, Georgia (SEC Championship Game), Cincinnati (CFP Semifinal), and Georgia. The 6-foot-1, 188-pounder recorded his first career interception versus Mercer and had a critical pass breakup against the Tigers in the Iron Bowl. He did enough in his first season for coaches in the Southeastern Conference to recognize him for the All-Freshman Team. McKinstry brings quickness, length, athleticism, and an improved body to the cornerback position. He trained with former Alabama safety Justin Woodall and Leonard Stephens (Step-By-Step Performance) to better his eye discipline, footwork, coverage skills, attention to detail, and body structure.
McKinstry needs more starting experience, and he will get it in the fall. He is in an interesting battle with Eli Ricks, Khyree Jackson, Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, and Antonio Kite (freshman) for a starting spot. He has been the most consistent player, but we will see if he holds serve. McKinstry also needs to improve his speed. As a top cornerback, he will face some of the fastest receivers in the SEC and college football. He has to keep up, recover if he gets beat, and continue to trust his technique.
McKinstry has the potential, but he needs to put it all together.
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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.
