Five-star cornerback Ga’Quincy ‘Kool-Aid’ McKinstry signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide during December’s early signing period.
Five-star cornerback Ga’Quincy ‘Kool-Aid’ McKinstry signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide during December’s early signing period.
McKinstry, who recently enrolled at Alabama, joined the basketball team for one practice this week and was seen on the court before the Crimson Tide’s 81-73 win over Mississippi State on Saturday night.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound McKinstry was a two-sport star for Pinson Valley High in Pinson, Alabama, was ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in the 2021 class, according to 247Sports.
After Alabama’s win over Mississippi State, head coach Nate Oats spoke about McKinstry, per Cecil Hurt of The Tuscaloosa News.
”It’s going to take a long time,” Oats said when asked about McKinstry possibly playing. “Think of all the time he has missed. But we are glad to have him out there. The guys like him. I like having him around.”
Alabama is currently 13-3 on the season and sits atop the SEC with an 8-0 record in conference play. The Crimson Tide have won nine consecutive games.
McKinstry will practice with the basketball team until spring workouts begin for the football team.
“When football conditioning starts, that takes precedence,” Oats said.
“But he’s great. I shot a game of pool with him after the game. On the court, he learns fast, he’s obviously an extraordinary athlete, and maybe he could give us some of that toughness that we need.”
McKinstry’s future is certainly in football, but it’s an impressive feat to immediately step on campus and begin practicing with the basketball team.
Alabama is back in action on Tuesday when Kentucky comes to Tuscaloosa.
