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Chris Low, ESPN Senior Writer
Alabama cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold plan to enter the 2024 NFL draft and won’t return to the Crimson Tide next season.
McKinstry announced his plans on Instagram while sources told ESPN of Arnold’s intentions.
McKinstry and Arnold formed one of the top cornerback duos in the country this season. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has McKinstry ranked as the No. 3 cornerback in the draft and Arnold as the No. 5 cornerback. Both were Associated Press first-team All-Americans, and Arnold led the Crimson Tide with five interceptions.
McKinstry and Arnold join linebackers Chris Braswell and Dallas Turner and offensive tackle JC Latham as Alabama players heading to the NFL. Braswell announced his plans Thursday on social media. Turner told ESPN after the 27-20 overtime loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl that he was turning pro.
“Throughout my tenure at UA, I’ve achieved my primary goals of winning a national championship and, above all, earning my degree,” Braswell wrote on Instagram. “Along the way, I’ve forged lifelong bonds and created indelible memories.
“However, it’s time for me to embark on a new chapter.”
Braswell, who finished second on the team to Turner with eight sacks, is ranked by Kiper as the No. 3 outside linebacker in the draft. Latham is ranked by Kiper as the No. 4 offensive tackle. Turner is Kiper’s No. 2 outside linebacker.
Latham, a two-year starter at right tackle for Alabama, wrote Wednesday on Instagram: “I will always be thankful to coach [Nick] Saban and his staff for their commitment to developing me into the best version of myself both on and off the field. My teammates and I have built bonds that will last a lifetime and it’s been the greatest honor of my life taking the field with them for the past 3 years.”
It wasn’t a complete exodus at Alabama to the NFL. Starting linebacker Deontae Lawson and starting safety Malachi Moore told coaches they plan to return next season, sources told ESPN. Lawson was second on the team with 67 total tackles, including 5.5 for loss. Moore was one of the Tide’s most versatile defensive backs and played the hybrid “star” role in the secondary.
