From The Tribune staff reports
It’s an honor given to only two players across the state, and both play for Tribune-area schools.
MaxPreps released its Preseason All-American Teams on Monday, recognizing 64 of the best high school football players in the country. Landing second-team honors are Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry of Pinson Valley and Armoni Goodwin of Hewitt-Trussville.
Both are rising seniors for their respective squads.
In total, 19 different states are represented on the Preseason All-American Team. Florida leads the way with 15 players listed followed by California and Texas with nine each.
McKinstry, a defensive back and receiver for the Indians, is the top-rated 2021 prospect in the state, according to 247Sports. He’s considered the second-ranked corner in the country and checks in at No. 22 overall in the Class of 2021.
He’s also a top-tier basketball prospect, who plans on playing both sports in college. McKinstry is listed as a defensive back on MaxPreps’ second-team roster.
Goodwin, a second-team selection at running back, is coming off a season cut short by injury. The Hewitt-Trussville star suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 3 last year, but still managed to crack the 247Sports’ top 100.
At 5-foot-8, Goodwin offers a blend of speed and power to the Huskies’ backfield. He is listed as the fourth-rated senior in Alabama, according to 247Sports, and is currently committed to Auburn.
McKinstry remains uncommitted, but has narrowed his list down to five schools: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and LSU. He is expected to name his final three schools this Sunday.