Xavier McKinney Looks Ahead to His Junior Season

Alabama football continues into their second full week of spring practice with the annual A-Day game less than three weeks away.

Although the defense lost numerous big time contributors including linebacker Mack Wilson and nose guard Quinnen Williams, a valuable member of the secondary returns for 2019.

Xavier McKinney recorded 73 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, 10 pass break-ups and two interceptions.

The junior safety is expected to provide a valuable leadership role for the upcoming season. Earlier in spring practice, the Roswell, Georgia, native shared his thoughts on his junior year including his transition from a younger freshman and sophomore into a veteran presence on the team.

"It's definitely a little different because I use to be a younger guy that looked up to the older guys and now I am that older guy so it's different in that way." McKinney said.

For McKinney, he does not shy away from embracing his role as a leader for the younger players.

"I pride myself on always being a leader. I don't think anything changes of me now being a junior. I'm always trying to be a leader and make sure guys do the right thing."

The junior safety also mentioned to reporters how the loss to Clemson has affected the squad's preseason and his relationship with new assistant coach Charles Kelly.