True freshman Ga'Quincy McKinstry got his first experience playing in front of fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium in an Alabama uniform during the A-Day scrimmage. McKinstry was Mr. Football for the state of Alabama in 2020, and he was a five-star recruit coming out of Pinson Valley High School. He plays cornerback for Alabama and wears his high school number, 1.

McKinstry, or 'Kool-aid' as he is affectionately known, started at the cornerback position for the White team and played the entire game. He took part in two turnovers, both in the second half on back-to-back possessions. He posted three tackles, with one going for a four yard loss.

A short pass was completed to Xavier Williams in front of McKinstry, and McKinstry missed the tackle. He popped back up though, and Jackson Bratton forced a fumble and McKinstry quickly got to the ball and fell on it. The fact that Kool-aid did not give up on the play and continued to compete shows where his head is at competitively.

After a fumble from his offense, McKinstry and the White team defense took the field again after two plays. On the fifth play of the drive, McKinstry undercut a Braxton Barker pass and floated up for the interception. He put his athleticism on display, and he was playing freely because he knew his assignment.

He was matched up with receiver Agaiye Hall and Xavier Williams for most of the contest. Hall had a big game, but most of his production came when Kool-aid was not covering him. He proved he can be the primetime cornerback in a defense, and he has the athleticism to fulfill other roles on the defense and special teams.

After the game, McKinstry was one of nine freshmen to be awarded with the Ozzie Newsome Most Improved Freshmen Award for the spring season. It will be exciting to see his development over the summer and how his potential will be fulfilled in the 2021 season.

Kool-aid is loving putting in the work and the winning culture, and it definitely showed Saturday in the form of turnovers and solid coverage.

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