Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry announced yesterday that he will forgo his final year of playing eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.

McKinstry, who was a junior during the 2023 season, is projected to be a first-round pick in April's NFL Draft.

Stepping into a rotation role during his freshman season in 2021, McKinstry saw his role expand significantly in 2022 by becoming a regular starter and earning First Team All-America honors from Pro Football Focus. I saw it.

In 2023, he was selected to the All-American First Team by the Associated Press.

McKinstry is one of eight Alabama players to have declared their intention to be drafted.

Thank you Bama Nation ❤️🤞🏾🐘 pic.twitter.com/me7AOZjv0V

— Kool-Aid “🎰” McKinstry (@GaQMcK1) January 4, 2024

Currently, linebacker Dallas Turner, linebacker Chris Braswell, linebacker Trezmen Marshall, right tackle JC Latham, defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, and kicker Will Reichard all intend to enter the draft. has been expressed.

Also participating in yesterday's announcement was Terion Arnold, McKinstry's running mate at the opposite corner position this season.

McKinstry and Arnold are members of the same 2021 recruiting class. Arnold is also speculated to be a first-round prospect.