Stellar Group star Xavier McKinney has joined the New York Giants after being chosen in the 2020 NFL draft.

The Giants took the elite safety with the 36th overall selection of the Draft. Xavier, who was considered the best safety in this year’s event, was the first player in his position to come off the board.

Xavier said: “I can’t wait to be a New York Giant. For me, I always do what I’m asked to do, and I try to do it at a high level. At the end of the day, I’m just trying to win. I’ll do whatever it takes to be able to win games and anything I can to help.”

In 2019, Xavier led Alabama with 95 tackles, while adding three sacks, three interceptions including one returned for a touchdown, five pass breakups, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. His four forced fumbles led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and tied for second-most in Alabama history.

Xavier earned second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC honors in 2019 and was named a semi-finalist for the Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive back.

Xavier burst onto the scene in 2018, recording 73 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, 10 pass breakups and one forced fumble. He was named the Defensive MVP of the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma and helped Alabama’s defence on the way to winning to the national title game over Georgia.

President of Stellar USA Reggie Johnson said: “We’re so happy for Xavier. He’s a great player who’s an even better person, and we’re happy to be a part of his journey. We look forward to what’s in store for him.”

Stellar chairman Jonathan Barnett added: “We decided to move into the NFL to ensure the best players got the very best representation. We are delighted to be a part of Xavier’s story and look forward eagerly to seeing the NFL start again and for Xavier to make his mark.”