From The Tribune staff reports
PINSON — The Pinson Valley Indians have produced a pair of college football recruiting headlines this weekend, as rising seniors Julian “JuJu” Peterson and Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry announced updates.
Peterson, a first-team All-Tribune performer on the defensive line last season, took to Twitter on Saturday, July 18 to announce his commitment to Troy University. The Trojans offered Peterson, listed at 6-foot-3, in early June.
He also holds scholarship offers from North Alabama, Samford , Jacksonville State, Alabama A&M, Navy, Wofford and others.
Peterson says it was the relationship he built with Troy coaches and the opportunity to play close to home that set the Trojans apart.
On Sunday, July 19, McKinstry, the state’s No. 1 overall player in the Class of 2021, trimmed his list down to three schools: Alabama, Auburn and LSU. His top five, which was dropped on May 17, included Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Clemson and Georgia.
The two-way star pulled down 12 touchdown receptions and an interception as a junior for the Tribe last year. He is considered the nation’s top cornerback prospect and 18th overall player, according to 247Sports.
In an interview with 247Sports, McKinstry said his mother will play a factor in his final decision.
“Just wherever I go I want my mom to be able to know that she left me at a spot where she doesn’t have to worry about me,” he said. “Even if she hasn’t talked to me in three weeks she’ll know I left him with coach such and such or I left him at this University, so I know he’s good, I trust them. That’s like No. 1 on my list if my mom hasn’t heard from me in a while she’ll still know I’m ok because she left me with somebody she trusts.”