"I woke up three days later and was like, hell nah!": Kool-Aid McKinstry shares hilarious HS recruitment story ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft

Kool-Aid McKinstry had a brilliant college football career in his three years at Alabama. However, he could have had his career with the Crimson Tide’s in-state rival Auburn instead.

The cornerback initially gave his commitment verbally to the Tigers during his time at Pinson Valley High School in Birmingham, Alabama. However, three days later, he changed his mind and subsequently flipped his commitment to Alabama.

"I had told Auburn I was going to commit to them publicly. ... I woke up three days later and was like, 'Hell nah! I'm going to Bama,'" McKinstry said. "I called my mama and told her, 'I'm going to Alabama, mom.' I ain't going to Auburn."

Kool-Aid McKinstry's career at Alabama

Kool-Aid McKinstry started his college football career at Alabama in 2021 following a brilliant high school career. He enrolled at the university as a five-star prospect and was a true freshman.

McKinstry immediately became part of the program's cornerback rotation and appeared in games for the Crimson Tide as a freshman. He recorded 26 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack and one interception, priming himself as a top prospect for the next couple of years.

The cornerback became a starter for Alabama in his sophomore season with the program. McKinstry played 13 games for the Crimson Tide in 2022, recording 35 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and 15 passes defended. This earned him a first-team All-SEC honor.

Kool-Aid McKinstry played his final season with the Crimson Tide in 2023. He retained his place as a starter and once again had a brilliant season. He recorded 32 tackles, two tackles for loss and seven passes defended, earning first-team All-SEC and All-American honors.

Kool-Aid McKinstry draft projection

Kool-Aid McKinstry decided to forego his senior season eligibility in college football to declare for the 2024 NFL draft. Following his brilliant career with the Crimson Tide, he is seen as one of the top picks in the upcoming draft.

McKinstry is a long-armed defender who demonstrated versatility in both man and zone coverage during his years in Tuscaloosa. He also exhibits strong vision and route recognition on the field, which makes him a menace to receivers.

His capability to sink his hips smoothly into breaks as well as his quick feet for seamless transitions gives him an edge over other cornerbacks in the draft. He exhibits an impressive burst to accelerate and close in on the ball effectively on the gridiron.

Considering this and other attributes he possesses, McKinstry is widely projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.