Kool-Aid McKinstry Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Vasha Hunt/AP Photo)

School: Alabama

Class: Junior

Position: CB

HT: 6’1

WT: 188 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #6

Background: Kool-Aid McKinstry has the best name in the entire class and the best name I have personally ever seen. Unfortunately, it is not his birth given name, as that is Ga’Quincy, but we are going to stick with Kool-Aid. McKinstry was a 5-star recruit in the 2021 class and was widely considered the best cornerback in the class. McKinstry is originally from Pinson, Alabama, where he attended Pinson Valley High School. In high school, McKinstry played both sides of the ball as a cornerback and a wide receiver. He led his team to an Alabama 6A State Championship in 2020. Just like any other 5-star recruit, McKinstry was heavily recruited, but his final decision was between LSU, Auburn, and Alabama, and he ultimately chose Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.

College: As a freshman, Kool-Aid immediately carved out a role for himself in a very deep Alabama secondary. He earned All-Freshman SEC honors and made a name for himself as a press man cornerback with great range and coverage ability in a variety of schemes. McKinstry only built on his reputation in his sophomore season, as he was All-American Second Team. Not only is he the man in that Alabama secondary and one of the best defenders in the country, but he is also an effective punt returner. He handled 21 punts as a sophomore with a long of 45 yards.

Strengths: Kool-Aid Mckinstry displays an impressive blend of relaxed and fluid hips with an imposing physicality. Mckinstry is an athletic corner that can take a receiver completely out of the game with tight man coverage, but he also is extremely effective as a zone cornerback. He reads the quarterback’s eyes well and anticipates where the ball is going to go before the quarterback even throws it. Mckinstry displays impressive ball skills and if he gets the opportunity he will get his hands on the football. Kool Aid is also a willing and efficient tackler. He wraps up ball carriers and rarely lets them slip free before help arrives. Mckinstry has fluid hips and transitions from a back pedal to a sprint with ease. He can shut down the opponent’s top receiver with physicality in man coverage, a matchup that he will always win.

Weaknesses: The only matchups he seems to struggle with are when he goes up against bigger receivers who try to use their size against him. He can get ‘out-physicaled’ and taken out of his game if the receiver doesn’t shy away from that play style. This physicality can also get the flag thrown on him. In the NFL, he is going to have to clean his game up or else the flags will be flying.

Conclusion: Kool Aid Mckinstry has the most potential out of any defensive back in the class. He truly has the makings of an All-Pro cornerback. His skills are easily translatable and he will be a player who makes an instant impact for any organization.

Scheme Fit: Man Coverage

Ideal Role: Boundary CB

Best Team Fits: BUF, IND, LAC

Player Comparison: Marshon Lattimore

Player Grade: 91.6