Kevin Gaines Jr. brings track-speed upside and early-ball production to Alabama State
Gaines enters Alabama State as a freshman cornerback with real two-way athletic credibility: at Baker High, he helped reach the 2024 AHSAA state championship game, logged 60 tackles and 8 pass breakups, and won the 200m state title while also setting the school record in the event.[2][9] Early college data is limited, but ESPN lists him as an active 2025 freshman CB and credits him with 2 tackles and 2 interceptions in game-log tracking, which hints at disruptive coverage play rather than just steady tackling.[1] He looks like a fit for a defense that values speed, competitive coverage, and upside development.[1][2]
