An Alabama cornerback made huge strides between his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, a former five-star in the 2021 recruiting class, has an opportunity to become a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft if he performs well next fall. He became one of the Crimson Tide’s most consistent performers in the secondary in 2022, recording a team-high 15 pass breakups. McKinstry garnered first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors from the league’s coaches and the Associated Press. The 6-foot-1, 188-pounder finished with 35 total tackles and an interception.
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Eli Ricks’ departure to the NFL Draft makes McKinstry the veteran corner for Alabama.
Pro Football Focus highlighted the Birmingham (Ala.) native for his performance last year. He earned an 81.2 coverage grade from PFF, allowing a 57.9 passer rating. McKinstry’s defensive grade improved from 67.9 as a freshman to 82.5 in 2022.
Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry this season:
🐘 81.2 Coverage Grade
🐘 1 INT | 16 PBUs
🐘 57.9 Passer Rating Allowed pic.twitter.com/d0cb5NAfyN— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 15, 2023
He is looking forward to having a massive junior season for the Tide.
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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.
