Kool-Aid McKinstry Set to Host Football Camp

PINSON, Ala. - Second-year New Orleans Saints cornerback and former Alabama football player Kool-Aid McKinstry is returning to his hometown this summer to host his first youth football camp on July 5. The camp will take place at Pinson Valley High School from 4:00-6:30 p.m. and is offered to ages 7-17. Those wanting to attend must register.

McKinstry was a five-star recruit according to 247Composite. He was also ranked as the No. 18 overall player in the nation by 247Sports and considered one of the top cornerbacks in the class of 2021.

McKinstry joined the Crimson Tide football program in 2021. He quickly earned a starting spot and recorded 26 tackles, one sack, one pass deflection, and one interception. McKinstry played a total of three seasons at Alabama, finishing his career with 92 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and 25 passes defended. Additionally, he returned 35 punts for 418 yards and two punt return touchdowns.

After three seasons with the Crimson Tide, he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft and was selected No. 41 overall in the second round by the New Orleans Saints. In his rookie season, he tallied 42 tackles. Heading into his second year with the Saints, he could be on track for a bigger role, as the staff has made it clear that he has a bright future.

“We’re excited about him,” said Saints general manager Mickey Loomis regarding McKinstry during the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 induction ceremony in early May. “I thought he had a good first season. And look, it’s always tough when you come from college and you get acclimated to the NFL. It’s a long, long season when you get about halfway through and you’ve already completed what would have been a full college season. I thought it took him a little while to get going. Really excited about where he’s headed. He’s going to have a great opportunity with our team. I know the coaches that we have, the new staff that we have, one of the things they talked about was how much they thought of McKinstry when we hired them, so I know they’re anxious to get working with him.”

McKinstry and the Saints will be back in action on August 10 for a preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. For now, McKinstry will be working to perfect his craft this offseason while also giving back to his community.

For more details regarding the camp, you can find them on McKinstry's Instagram @koolaid.glizxy.