WATCH: Kool-Aid McKinstry records first career interception

Alabama freshman Kool-Aid McKinstry recorded his first career interception in the first quarter against Mercer. The former five-star recruit has competed for a starting role since arriving on campus in the spring and has seen increased playing time so far on Saturday.

On second-and-one Mercer quarterback Carter Peevy looked to his left and threw the ball into the flat. Another former five-star recruit and new starter Drew Sanders tipped the ball as it came across the line of scrimmage and Kool-Aid McKinstry jumped into the passing lane to make the interception. The Crimson Tide took over at their own 46-yard line with no return on the play.

KOOL-AID MCKINSTRY WITH THE INT!#Alabama #Mercer

pic.twitter.com/vwqwpFKaSe

— Sideline CFB (@SidelineCFB) September 11, 2021

The Alabama offense quickly capitalized with a Brian Robinson Jr. touchdown run to take a 14-0 lead with 3:22 remaining in the first quarter.

Already a brand name

Alabama freshman cornerback Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry has partnered with his namesake, Kool-Aid.

McKinstry has long held the nickname “Kool-Aid” and is even listed on Alabama’s roster officially as Kool-Aid McKinstry. Per the official twitter bio for the Kool-Aid drink, the brand and the player have swapped names temporarily.

“In honor of our new partnership, we’ve swapped names with Kool-Aid McKinstry and given him the power of OH YEAH,” @koolaid’s Twitter bio read last month.

“Honored to partner with Kool-Aid the Brand…” McKinstry’s twitter bio read. “I will be sharing the OH YEAH title with the Kool-Aid Man!”

@koolaid also featured a profile picture of McKinstry and a screen name of Ga’Quincy Mckinstry, while @GaQMcK1, McKinstry’s personal twitter account, featured a profile picture of the Kool-Aid Man in a football helmet, a new header picture and a screen name of “Kool-Aid Man”

In addition, McKinstry was awarded the USA Today Best Defensive Player award in August. They also named him Male Athlete of the Year. McKinstry received the award live on CBS This Morning and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski made a surprise appearance. McKinstry was the first ever recipient of the USA Today HSSA Male Athlete of the Year award.