By Erik Harris, sports editor
PINSON – Alabama added a commitment from the state’s top senior on Sunday afternoon.
Versatile Pinson Valley athlete Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry chose the Crimson Tide over Auburn and LSU during a ceremony at PVHS. The decision was long-awaited for college football fans and coaches alike for a player that checks in at No. 24 overall in the country, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
McKinstry, who routinely pulls double-duty as a cornerback and receiver for the third-ranked Indians, is considered the No. 1 cornerback nationally in the 2021 recruiting cycle. Through eight games this season, he has 34 receptions for 491 yards and 6 touchdowns.
The 6-foot senior also recorded a pick-6 during a road win over Clay-Chalkville on Oct. 16. Pinson Valley head coach Sam Shade, a former defensive back at Alabama and later in the NFL, believes McKinstry’s length and ball skills make him a truly special prospect.
“I think people are looking for those guys on defense that can be game-changers and get their hands on the ball like he did the other night against Clay-Chalkville,” said Shade. “As a guy who’s going to play defensive back in college, he’s got really good length and that’s going to help him.
“He’s got great ball skills for a cornerback,” he continued. “When I got to Pinson I started watching his film and I said, ‘Why aren’t people recruiting this kid as a receiver?’ because he really does a good job of locating the ball and he’s got good hands. But he wants to play defense.”
McKinstry is the fifth 5-star to join an Alabama recruiting class, which ranks No. 1 nationally ahead of No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Oregon and No. 4 Clemson. He is the fourth defensive back and fifth in-state commit for the Crimson Tide this cycle.
When asked to tell Crimson Tide fans what type of player they were getting, McKinstry said, “You guys will be getting a winner. I have won all my life, so expect to continue to win.”
During the ceremony on Sunday, McKinstry said he would play both football and basketball in Tuscaloosa.
His Indians (7-2) have already claimed the Class 6A, Region 6 title and will likely host Arab (4-5) in the first round of the state playoffs on Nov. 6.
