Kool-Aid McKinstry details the importance of special teams, role as punt returner

Alabama head coach Nick Saban is notorious for putting a strong emphasis on special teams, not shying away from putting starters on any of his special team’s units. Saban’s philosophy definitely paid off this weekend, as the Crimson Tide scored on two special teams plays in their dominant 63-7 victory over Louisiana-Monroe. Cornerback ‘Kool-Aid’ McKinstry spoke on the importance of special teams and the impact it makes on the team.

“Special teams brings a lot to the game, we don’t look at special teams no different than offense and defense. We also understand that the energy that comes from special teams, it leads on to offense and defense,” McKinstry said. “So whatever we do on special teams, we know that leads on to offense and defense, bring energy.”

The Crimson Tide special teams units made an impact early, as safety Malachi Moore returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first quarter of Saturday’s game to put Alabama up 21-0 early.

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Wide receiver JoJo Earle split the punt returning duties with Slade Bolden last season, and was likely going to be their primary punt returner this season with Bolden graduating last year. But Earle suffered an injury during fall camp that was projected to sideline him 6-8 weeks, as he’s expected to return in early October.

McKinstry has assumed the role as Alabama’s primary punt returner this season so far with Earle’s absence and had a career day returning the football Saturday for the Tide. McKinstry had five returns on the day for 136 yards, with his longest being 44 yards. He was asked jokingly after the game if he was gunning for Earle’s job following his performance or just holding for him until his return.

“I enjoy what I do and I do what I can do for the team, everything else is on coach,” McKinstry said.

The Alabama defense forced a lot of punts in Saturday’s game, and decided to let some other plays give their shot at returning some punts besides McKinstry. Three other players for the Crimson Tide got one return each, and none made the most of their opportunity more than safety Brian Branch, who took his fourth-quarter punt return all the way to the house for a touchdown.

Saban’s special team’s attitude and emphasis has clearly trickled down to his players, as the Crimson Tide were clicking on all cylinders of the kicking game. Alabama opens up their SEC schedule in week 4 as they take on Vanderbilt at home, and it will definitely be interesting to see if they can create some more big-time plays on special teams this weekend as well.