He arrived as a five-star athlete at the University of Alabama in 2021, but he has become a marquee defensive player.
Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry is a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. An announcement came Tuesday from the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The Thorpe Award goes to the nation’s top defensive back in college football.
No tricks here, only the treat of revealing our #ThorpeAward Semifinalists 🏆👏 After 8 hard-fought weeks, congrats to our 15 best DBs in the country! pic.twitter.com/BaD7QZ8us5
— Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (@jimthorpeaward) October 31, 2023
Alabama’s had Minkah Fitzpatrick (2017) and Antonio Langham (1993) win the honor for the program.
RELATED: Alabama DB Kool-Aid McKinstry named a candidate for Walter Camp Award watch list
McKinstry could be third if he continues with his strong season. He is also projected to be a high first-round draft pick.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, junior CB
- One of the nation’s top defenders and a true lockdown corner for the Crimson Tide
- Targeted just 27 times in eight games this season, allowing only 131 total yards
- Broken up five passes to go with 20 tackles, including one for loss (-2 yards)
- Also contributed 11 punt returns for 58 yards
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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.
