Two five-star defensive backs came in Alabama’s 2021 recruiting class.
One enrolled as a true defensive back while the other came in as an “athlete,” but is playing defensive back.
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Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold have experience in the Crimson Tide’s defensive secondary. McKinstry, a native of Birmingham, Ala., enters his third season. His production increased last year as he made a few All-American teams after recording a team-high 15 pass breakups. Arnold, who hails from Tallahassee, Fla., played 11 games — including six starts in 2022. He came as a top safety prospect, but Arnold had to play cornerback out of necessity. He totaled 45 tackles, eight pass breakups, and an interception. The 6-foot, 196-pounder made the All-SEC Freshman Team because of his efforts on the field.
The Crimson Tide has versatile depth in its secondary for next season, but will Arnold hold on to the boundary corner role?
He has to fend off talented four-star, Earl Little II. McKinstry has a lot of confidence in Arnold and spoke about it Wednesday during his press conference with reporters.
“I am very happy to have him on the other side of me,” McKinstry said about Arnold. “I am comfortable with him on the other side, so I feel good about that.”
Arnold had good moments, but he also endured growing pains.
He should be much better in year two under Travaris Robinson as a secondary coach.
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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.
