Ty Simpson compares Georgia DB to Kool-Aid McKinstry

Sep 27, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) and defensive back KJ Bolden (4) react in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

A Georgia defensive back received high praise from Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson Tuesday as Simpson drew a comparison to Kool-Aid McKinstry, a former Alabama defensive back who is now playing for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.

On the SEC Players Teleconference, Simpson was asked about what his initial thoughts are on Georgia defensive back Ellis Robinson, a player that Simpson knows all about because of recruiting visits and a mutual connection with Tyler Booker, another former Alabama great and Simpson’s best friend.

“I know Ellis pretty well, and I’ve always known he’s a good player,” Simpson said. “So, seeing him out there, seeing how fast and long he is, and just a really good playmaker on the ball. Can go up a get it. I saw this last pick that he had against Georgia Tech. Just all around really, really good ball player. Reminds me a lot of Kool-Aid when he was here, and the other big time DBs that we’ve had. Just very, very impressed with how far he’s come as a player.”

Robinson and Booker are both from New Haven, Connecticut, and they both played at IMG Academy. The two came on recruiting visits to Alabama, a good bit where they were around Simpson.

Simpson said he remembers the meals he had with Booker and Robinson, and he recalls the time that Booker called Robinson his “young bull”. Now, that young bull is preparing to face Simpson for the second time this year as Alabama and Georgia play in the SEC Championship.

“Full circle moment for sure,” Simpson said. “Makes me feel old.”

Robinson is looking to extend his interception streak to three games. Robinson has picked off four passes this season, deflected 5 passes and made 15 tackles.

He picked off a pass against Charlotte two weeks ago, and he grabbed another one against Georgia Tech, a play that Simpson highlighted on Tuesday.

Simpson will need to be wiser when throwing the football this Saturday. The Auburn defense whiffed on a few turnover opportunities due to Simpson making a few ill-advised throws, and Robinson is a player that have proven that he can intercept passes and swing the momentum in Georgia’s favor.