Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry transitioning from student to teacher

On3 imageby:Clint Lamb04/01/22

ClintRLamb

Kool-Aid McKinstry has the potential to be a future first-round pick out of Alabama. Yes, the former five-star cornerback is only going to be a sophomore, but he’s shown plenty of likable traits coming out of Pinson Valley (Ala.) that are translating well to the college level.

At 6-foot-1, 188 pounds, McKinstry brings length and athleticism to the position. Those are two qualities Nick Saban and the rest of the Alabama coaching staff covet when evaluating a cornerback. But now, McKinstry also brings more experience to the table.

Last year, Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis were the team’s two starting corners.

Unfortunately, that duo dealt with multiple ailments throughout the season that hindered their ability to perform at a high level. By the national title game, both players were out for the season, which presented more opportunities for McKinstry and JUCO transfer Khyree Jackson.

Sure, there were some growing pains, but that added experience will benefit both players this season.

In total, McKinstry started six games and played 479 snaps. Only six defensive players saw more playing time. That doesn’t mean the rising sophomore is considered a seasoned veteran yet, but he’s in a much better position heading into Year 2. Senior safety Jordan Battle sees it, too.

On Thursday, Battle was asked about McKinstry during a press conference. His response was telling.

“He’s coming along very well,” Battle told reporters. “Right now, he’s learning the playbook. He’s getting more and more comfortable with the scheme. And he’s teaching all the other players. He’s been teaching other corners how to play the position. So, I love the progress from him as well.”

Sounds like McKinstry is going from student to teacher, and that’s a great sign.

As of right now, he’s projected to be the starting cornerback opposite LSU transfer Eli Ricks. But Jackson, Terrion Arnold — another former five-star prospect — or a number of other players will also be vying for that spot.

The good news here is that the mental side of the game seems to be catching up with his impressive physical traits. That’s a great sign considering his elite playmaking ability on the perimeter. If he does start, he should have plenty of opportunities for generating turnovers with Will Anderson and Dallas Turner forcing quarterbacks into mistakes.

Coming out of high school, McKinstry was rated as the No. 14 overall player in the 2021 On3 Consensus rankings. He was also the top-ranked cornerback prospect and top player from the state of Alabama. His current NIL valuation sits at $125k, which ranks No. 78 amongst other college football athletes.

Stay tuned for more football updates from Bama On3.

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