Kool-Aid McKinstry reveals the favorite thing Nick Saban has taught him about playing DB

Kool-Aid McKinstry is realizing his immense talent at Alabama, as Nick Saban is bringing the best out of the former star recruit.

Ahead of a huge matchup with LSU, the Crimson Tide star revealed his favorite thing Saban has taught him about playing defensive back thus far.

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“Just stand up on the guy using your hands and kick slide your feet, stand on top, not allowing explosive plays,” added McKinstry.

Additionally, McKinstry elaborated on the fact that he doesn’t care about his statistics at the moment, he’s just looking to help the Crimson Tide.

“Throughout the week, I’m pretty sure Coach talks to you guys about corner technique and what he does to teach corners, and I really don’t pay attention to personal goals right now,” continued the Alabama defensive star. “Just focused on what I’m doing right now for the team, and leading us to where we’re trying to get.”

Indisputably, Kool-Aid McKinstry has the right mindset to play for Nick Saban, and it’s easy to see why he’s found so much success early on during his time in Tuscaloosa.

Kool-Aid McKinstry breaks down the importance of getting Eli Ricks back on the field

Moreover, a new cornerback duo has emerged in Tuscaloosa, with Kool-Aid McKinstry now playing opposite of Eli Ricks. Switches were needed after the Tennessee loss and Alabama was able to have massive success with both players against Mississippi State. Now, they move into a hostile environment with LSU next up on the schedule.

McKinstry was asked about Ricks’ performance against Mississippi State, sharing his excitement. He said the preparation from the LSU transfer has been as if he’s been the starter all along. Thanks to the hard work off the field, Ricks is seeing the rewards play out on the field. 

“I was very excited to see Eli ball out the way he did,” McKinstry said. “Every week, he had been preparing as if he was a starter and when his time came, he showed how he played.”

McKinstry and Ricks played every cornerback snap for Alabama in their last game against Mississippi State, having a great day against the Mike Leach offense. It’s been a piece that’s been missing from Nick Saban’s team so far this season — a couple of elite corners on the outside to shut down SEC caliber wide receivers.

The former five-star prospect duo has brought exactly that to the Crimson Tide eight games into the year.