We have another preseason All-America team from a publication.
Sporting News unveils its list of college football candidates for its team. The University of Alabama had two players named with Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKintry and JC Latham. McKinstry, a junior cornerback, represents the first team. Latham, a junior offensive tackle, represents the second team. Both are leaders for the Crimson Tide, and they want a national championship.
RELATED: Alabama players named AP preseason All-Americans
McKinstry, a native of Birmingham, Ala., improved from his freshman to sophomore season. He accounted for a team-high 15 pass breakups in 2022 and one interception. McKinstry also excelled on special teams, totaling 333 punt return yards on 21 attempts. He averaged 16 yards per punt return, helping Alabama to 11 victories — including a win in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
McKinstry expects to be a shutdown corner in the fall.
Latham, a former five-star in the 2021 recruiting class, is an imposing offensive lineman. He started at right tackle last year, helping Bryce Young account for 3,328 passing yards and 32 touchdown passes. Latham also cleared the way for running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Jase McClellan to have seven rushing touchdowns. Gibbs had nearly 1,000 yards rushing at 926.
RELATED: Alabama DB Kool-Aid McKinstry named a candidate for Walter Camp Award watch list
Latham told reporters at SEC Football Media Days that Alabama expects to go undefeated. McKinstry made the first-team selection for the Associated Press’ Preseason All-America team while Latham was a second-team honoree.
Dallas Turner, a junior outside linebacker, was a second-teamer for the AP Preseason All-America team.
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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.
