Alabama football: 3 potential breakout players on defense
By Ben Sundock
DB Kool-Aid McKinstry
His name alone earned him plenty of attention in the lead-up to his freshman year, but after playing on special teams and in limited action for the first half of the year, Kool-Aid showed why he was one of the top recruits in last year’s class.
Against LSU, in the Iron Bowl, and in the postseason, McKinstry showed his potential working in single coverage. “The opportunities I did get as a freshman were very big,” he told the press. “And that will help me going into my sophomore year, being more confident and knowing what I’m doing. Because I’ve already been out there.”
● CB Spotlight ●
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) August 24, 2022
Kool-Aid McKinstry - Alabama
• Kool-Aid showed a lot of potential last season as a Freshman. He had 26 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss, 1 Sack, 1 Pass Breakup and 1 INT. I expect a BIG season in 2022. pic.twitter.com/lbUAgPB0ie
McKinstry should be one of the highest-rated cornerbacks in a couple of years when he is eligible for the NFL Draft, but he can also contribute on special teams as we saw.
He is listed as the starting punt returner on the initial depth chart with JoJo Earle out for at least the first month with an injured foot.
Though Malachi Moore has a year of experience on McKinstry, Kool-Aid is the most consistent option Bama has at corner. I expect 2022 to be a huge year for McKinstry!