Kool-Aid McKinstry

Ga'Quincy "Kool-Aid" McKinstry (born September 30, 2002) is an American football cornerback. He was named the 2021 USA Today High School Football Defensive Player of the Year before playing college football at Alabama, where he was named an All-American in 2023.

Early life and high school

McKinstry grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and attended Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Alabama. He was named Alabama Mr. Football as a senior after breaking up 12 passes with two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns, on defense and catching 45 passes for 706 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. He was named the USA Today Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. McKinstry was rated a five-star recruit and committed to play college football at Alabama.

College career

McKinstry played in every game was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team, making 25 tackles with a sack and interception and . He declared for the 2024 NFL Draft following the 2023 season in which he was named first-team All-American.

Personal life

McKinstry was nicknamed "Kool-Aid" by his grandmother as a baby because his smile reminded her of the Kool-Aid Man. He signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with Kool-Aid as a freshman at Alabama.