Kool-Aid McKinstry breaks down the importance of getting Eli Ricks back on the field
A new cornerback duo has emerged in Tuscaloosa, with Kool-Aid McKinstry now playing opposite of Eli Ricks. Switches were needed after the Tennessee loss and Alabama was able to have massive success with both players against Mississippi State. Now, they move into a hostile environment with LSU next up on the schedule.
McKinstry was asked about Ricks’ performance against Mississippi State, sharing his excitement. He said the preparation from the LSU transfer has been as if he’s been the starter all along. Thanks to the hard work off the field, Ricks is seeing the rewards play out on the field.
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“I was very excited to see Eli ball out the way he did,” McKinstry said. “Every week, he had been preparing as if he was a starter and when his time came, he showed how he played.”
McKinstry and Ricks played every cornerback snap for Alabama in their last game against Mississippi State, having a great day against the Mike Leach offense. It’s been a piece that’s been missing from Nick Saban’s team so far this season — a couple of elite corners on the outside to shut down SEC caliber wide receivers.
The former five-star prospect duo has brought exactly that to the Crimson Tide eight games into the year.
McKinstry, Eli Ricks to discuss LSU matchup
Ricks will be returning to his old home on Saturday, with a primetime matchup in Death Valley. He made a surprise switch across the SEC West, moving from LSU to Alabama. He’s been on one side of the rivalry but has never emerged victorious.
McKinstry has asked if there has been a conversation between the two about what it’s like to play in Baton Rouge. Not yet was the answer but he thinks there will be one in the upcoming future.
“No sir, I haven’t had that conversation with him yet but I am pretty sure we will have that conversation.”
One of McKinstry and Ricks will have the task of covering one of the top receivers in the SEC, Kayshon Boutte. The former LSU man will have experience going up against in during practice in Baton Rouge but McKinstry is considered CB1 for Alabama.
Nonetheless, it should be entertaining to watch the two play on opposite sides once again in a high-level game.