Alabama welcomed in 14 early enrollees from its record-breaking 2021 class in January. With the Crimson Tide set to open its spring camp this month, BamaInsider will pass the time by examining each of the newcomers set to begin their college careers this spring.
Today we continue the series with the top player in the state of Alabama, Ga’Quincy McKinstry.
What he offers
Ga’Quincy McKinstry’s high school head coach Sam Shade believes his former star is capable of playing wide receiver at the college level. Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats liked him enough to offer him on the hardwood during his recruitment. However, it’s Nick Saban who stands to benefit the most from the five-star cornerback as McKinstry brings the length and skill the head coach desires in his secondary.
McKinstry, the top-rated player in the state of Alabama, comes to the Tide as the No. 1 cornerback and No. 27 overall player in this year’s class. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back is a natural playmaker and has perhaps the best ball skills in this year’s class.
During his senior senior season at Pinson Valley High School last year he returned two interceptions for touchdowns while also recording 12 pass breakups on defense. He also reeled in 40 receptions for 616 yards and 10 touchdowns on the other side of the ball. During his junior season, he also excelled on the basketball court, averaging 15 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists while recording 69 steals.
As evidenced by his stats across both sports, McKinstry brings loads of athleticism to Tuscaloosa, Ala. The leaping ability that allows him to shine on the hardwood is also seen on the football field as he is able to outjump receivers to break up passes. McKinstry also has the speed to keep up with receivers on deep routes. He has room to add to his 6-foot-1 frame which will likely be necessary when going up against bigger receivers at the next level.
On top of his physical attributes, McKinstry also brings a level of swagger often found in elite cornerbacks. The five-star defensive back is known for carrying around a doll of the horror film character Chucky which he says represents his killer mentality on the field.
Shade, who was a standout defensive back on Gene Stalling’s 1992 national championship team at Alabama, said McKinstry has the mentality to succeed at the next level, stating he reminds him of himself in that he loves to win and works hard day in and day out.
Where he fits in next season
Last season Malachi Moore made an immediate impact in Alabama’s defense, becoming the first freshman to start at the Star position since Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2015. Could McKinstry follow in the footsteps of his fellow in-state defender and secure a starting role during his first year this season?
Alabama will need to replace Patrick Surtain II as the All-American cornerback left early for the NFL this offseason. The Crimson Tide has plenty of returning options to fill the void including Marcus Banks, Jalyn Armour-Davis and Ronald Williams Jr. Alabama could also get creative by moving Moore to an outside cornerback role while slotting in Brian Branch to Star out of the nickel package. Outside of that bunch, McKinstry will also have to compete with JUCO transfer Khyree Jackson who is set to join the team this summer.
Given the Tide’s returning talent at cornerback, it might make sense to lean on the side of experience while filling out his secondary. However, Saban proved last season that he isn’t afraid to give freshmen early opportunities. With McKinstry enrolled early, he could use this spring to springboard his campaign for a starting role.
Even if the freshman defensive back is unable to secure a first-team role, his athleticism should serve useful on special teams.
What they’re saying
“McKinstry is a gifted athlete that makes things look almost too easy at times. It is hard to tell sometimes if he is going hard, if he is giving it his all, or even if he cares at times because how easy he makes it look. Yes, he is likely a defensive back at Alabama, but he is a very talented wide receiver too. His quickness and ball skills on offense easily translate over to the defensive side. He really plays as fast as he needs to. He has great short-space quickness when in press coverage and he is able to turn and run with talented receivers. He does a very good job of playing the ball. He is smooth in his back pedal and he makes nice breaks on the ball. McKinstry is still lean, so he can add weight, he can get stronger and he can play better with his eyes. When he decides to go all in with football, he can be very good.” — Rivals recruiting analyst Chad Simmons
Today we continue the series with the top player in the state of Alabama, Ga’Quincy McKinstry.
What he offers
Ga’Quincy McKinstry’s high school head coach Sam Shade believes his former star is capable of playing wide receiver at the college level. Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats liked him enough to offer him on the hardwood during his recruitment. However, it’s Nick Saban who stands to benefit the most from the five-star cornerback as McKinstry brings the length and skill the head coach desires in his secondary.
McKinstry, the top-rated player in the state of Alabama, comes to the Tide as the No. 1 cornerback and No. 27 overall player in this year’s class. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back is a natural playmaker and has perhaps the best ball skills in this year’s class.
During his senior senior season at Pinson Valley High School last year he returned two interceptions for touchdowns while also recording 12 pass breakups on defense. He also reeled in 40 receptions for 616 yards and 10 touchdowns on the other side of the ball. During his junior season, he also excelled on the basketball court, averaging 15 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists while recording 69 steals.
As evidenced by his stats across both sports, McKinstry brings loads of athleticism to Tuscaloosa, Ala. The leaping ability that allows him to shine on the hardwood is also seen on the football field as he is able to outjump receivers to break up passes. McKinstry also has the speed to keep up with receivers on deep routes. He has room to add to his 6-foot-1 frame which will likely be necessary when going up against bigger receivers at the next level.
On top of his physical attributes, McKinstry also brings a level of swagger often found in elite cornerbacks. The five-star defensive back is known for carrying around a doll of the horror film character Chucky which he says represents his killer mentality on the field.
Shade, who was a standout defensive back on Gene Stalling’s 1992 national championship team at Alabama, said McKinstry has the mentality to succeed at the next level, stating he reminds him of himself in that he loves to win and works hard day in and day out.
Where he fits in next season
Last season Malachi Moore made an immediate impact in Alabama’s defense, becoming the first freshman to start at the Star position since Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2015. Could McKinstry follow in the footsteps of his fellow in-state defender and secure a starting role during his first year this season?
Alabama will need to replace Patrick Surtain II as the All-American cornerback left early for the NFL this offseason. The Crimson Tide has plenty of returning options to fill the void including Marcus Banks, Jalyn Armour-Davis and Ronald Williams Jr. Alabama could also get creative by moving Moore to an outside cornerback role while slotting in Brian Branch to Star out of the nickel package. Outside of that bunch, McKinstry will also have to compete with JUCO transfer Khyree Jackson who is set to join the team this summer.
Given the Tide’s returning talent at cornerback, it might make sense to lean on the side of experience while filling out his secondary. However, Saban proved last season that he isn’t afraid to give freshmen early opportunities. With McKinstry enrolled early, he could use this spring to springboard his campaign for a starting role.
Even if the freshman defensive back is unable to secure a first-team role, his athleticism should serve useful on special teams.
What they’re saying
“McKinstry is a gifted athlete that makes things look almost too easy at times. It is hard to tell sometimes if he is going hard, if he is giving it his all, or even if he cares at times because how easy he makes it look. Yes, he is likely a defensive back at Alabama, but he is a very talented wide receiver too. His quickness and ball skills on offense easily translate over to the defensive side. He really plays as fast as he needs to. He has great short-space quickness when in press coverage and he is able to turn and run with talented receivers. He does a very good job of playing the ball. He is smooth in his back pedal and he makes nice breaks on the ball. McKinstry is still lean, so he can add weight, he can get stronger and he can play better with his eyes. When he decides to go all in with football, he can be very good.” — Rivals recruiting analyst Chad Simmons
