Gadsden City’s Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. Commits to Alabama
Gadsden, AL – In a move that echoes a family tradition, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.has committed to the University of Alabama. The 6-foot-tall, 192-pound three-star safety prospect, following in the footsteps of his father, Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., made the decision to pledge to the Crimson Tide Friday afternoon at Gadsden City High School’s Titan Stadium. This decision mirrors the one his father made 14 years ago when he chose to play for legendary coach Nick Saban.
On Friday afternoon, Titan Stadium transformed into a scene of anticipation and excitement as Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. unveiled his commitment. Amidst a backdrop of friends and teammates, he engaged in a suspenseful moment, initially donning a Missouri shirt and hat. However, he swiftly quelled the suspense by revealing his true allegiance, producing his father’s No. 21 Crimson Tide jersey.
Kirkpatrick Jr.’s commitment holds a distinctive honor as he becomes the first legacy commitment under Saban’s 17-year tenure in Tuscaloosa. This distinction adds to the prominence of Kirkpatrick Jr.’s journey. The standout safety chose the Tide over Missouri, Arkansas, and Auburn, among others. Although Mizzou held considerable favor in numerous Rivals.com predictions, a late surge by the Tide clinched Kirkpatrick Jr.’s commitment, securing Alabama’s 18th commitment for the 2024 class.
Notably, Kirkpatrick Jr.’s commitment bolsters Alabama’s recruiting class which now ranks fourth nationally according to the 247Sports Composite. He is the seventh in-state prospect to join the Crimson Tide’s incoming class.
Kirkpatrick Jr.’s prowess on the field was well-established prior to this commitment. Earlier this month, The Gadsden Times named him the premier defensive back in the Gadsden area. This recognition was backed by impressive statistics, including 69 tackles, 33 solo stops, a tackle for loss, three interceptions and 16 pass break-ups.
Kirkpatrick and the Titans kickoff their 2023 campaign August 25, at home, against Carver-Montgomery.
