Alabama football has produced its share of first-round defensive backs, including Marlon Humphrey, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Patrick Surtain II.
RELATED: Kool-Aid McKinstry training everywhere to be ready for junior season
It has a boundary cornerback entering his junior season with the program. Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry, a Birmingham (Ala.) native, took a huge leap as a sophomore defender. He made first-team All-Southeastern Conference by the league’s coaches and Associated Press as a cornerback. McKinstry also appeared on a few All-American teams for his efforts on defense. A former five-star athlete, he recorded a team-high 15 pass breakups in 2022 and an interception. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has had a good offseason and is one of multiple defensive leaders on a unit that wants to return to the College Football Playoff and win it all.
RELATED: Kool-Aid McKinstry crafting his footwork to be a top pick for 2024
According to NFL Rookie Watch, McKinstry is regarded as the best cornerback in next year’s NFL Draft. Many pro scouts, per NFL Rookie Watch, feel McKinstry is worthy of a top-10 pick. He is getting compared to Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley.
Kool-Aid McKinstry is already reportedly viewed as the “best” CB in next year’s draft by many NFL scouts.
Many scouts also reportedly believe McKinstry is worthy of a “top ten” pick as of now.
One NFL scout reportedly believes McKinstry is on the “same level” as Sauce Gardner… pic.twitter.com/aKw1TgEeqR
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) July 3, 2023
McKinstry had a good second season, but he has to take his game to another level for top-10 status.
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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.
