Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry announced yesterday he’ll forego his final year of eligibility of play and enter the NFL Draft.

McKinstry, who was a junior during the 2023 season, is speculated as a first-round pick in April’s NFL draft.

Stepping into a rotational role during his freshman season in 2021, McKinstry saw his role expand tremendously in 2022 as he became a regular starter and earned first team All-America honors from Pro Football Focus.

In 2023, he was selected as a first team All-American by the Associated Press.

McKinstry is among eight Alabama players who have announced their intentions for the draft so far.

https://twitter.com/GaQMcK1/status/1743010564119347364

Currently, linebacker Dallas Turner, linebacker Chris Braswell, linebacker Trezmen Marshall, right tackle JC Latham, defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, and kicker Will Reichard have all announced intentions to enter the draft.

Also making the announcement yesterday was McKinstry’s running mate at the opposite corner position this season, Terrion Arnold.

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