Alabama played footsie with McKinney for the better part of six months. The No. 8 safety prospect in the 2017 Class had originally committed to the Tide, but backed out last summer and was thought to be a Clemson pickup. However, the New Year brought a pleasant surprise. After some shopping around at some other elite programs, McKinney chose the Tide.
The 70th ranked player in the nation and 8th ranked safety reaffirmed his pledge to Alabama and plans to enroll in a week and a half. At 6'1" 190, he fits the mold of the taller corner/safety hybrid player that Alabama has been favoring in players like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Eddie Jackson.