Alabama football recruiting: Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. commits to Crimson Tide, follows in father’s footsteps

Alabama fanatics could be feeling a deep sensation of déjà vu at the moment. Three-star defensive again Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. dedicated to the Crimson Tide Friday night, following in his father’s footsteps and opting for the SEC powerhouse over Missouri. 

 “I have a good opportunity to build a legacy there,” Kirkpatrick Jr. told 247Sports.

In truth, Kirkpatrick brought about some suspense right through his announcement by way of to begin with donning a Missouri cap and keeping up a Tiger-emblazoned blouse earlier than casting each apart in prefer of an Alabama hat. Kirkpatrick is the son of former two-time All-SEC variety and two-time nationwide champion Dre Kirkpatrick, who starred at Alabama below Nick Saban from 2009-11. 

“I remember talking to Coach Saban when I was younger,” Kirkpatrick Jr. stated. “When I was like four or five.”

The elder Kirkpatrick was once a freshman on Saban’s first nationwide championship-winning group at Alabama. Kirkpatrick Jr., a member of the category of 2024, is the primary legacy dedicate of the Saban technology. 

The 6-foot, 192-pound Kirkpatrick Jr. selected the Tide out of Gadsden (Ala.) City High School, the similar prep program that his dad starred at. Kirkpatrick Jr. ranks because the No. 148 cornerback and No. 75 prospect in the state of Alabama. 

Kirkpatrick Jr. noticed Missouri’s campus in June for his most effective reputable discuss with. Alabama didn’t prolong an be offering till July 25, after the NCAA-mandated reputable discuss with window closed. 

Kirkpatrick Jr. is the 18th prospect to sign up for Alabama’s 2024 recruiting magnificence, which ranks fourth in the 247Sports Team Composite. He is the 7th in-state recruit to make a choice the Crimson Tide.