Alabama legacy Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. commits to the Crimson Tide

The recruitment of Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. changed quickly in Tuscaloosa late in July. The Alabama legacy arrived at Alabama with thoughts of Arkansas, Auburn and Mississippi State as his future home. After working out with Travaris Robinson at Alabama’s camp, those thoughts changed.

Kirkpatrick was called up the office of Nick Saban. While sitting with his father, a two-time national champion at Alabama, he was offered a scholarship. That quickly made his top three a top four.

And a week later, a decision was made.

“I knew right about a week after Alabama offered that I was going there,” Kirkpatrick told On3. “I took a little time to think about it and weigh my options, but the atmosphere, the chance to win, the NIL opportunities and me having an opportunity to play for Alabama led me to call T-Rob to commit. I knew it was where I wanted to go.”

Kirkpatrick is Alabama’s 18th commitment this cycle.

Kirkpatrick’s excited about who will get to play for at Alabama

Kirkpatrick’s time with Robinson was key in his recruitment. Alabama took their time evaluating the 5-foot-10.5, 190-pound three-star safety out of Gadsden City (Ala.), but there was ongoing communication. The two developed a good relationship.

“It was about T-Rob keeping it 100% real with me. That is what I like most about him. He is a cool coach and easy to talk to, but he just keeps it real. It is simple with him. He is a great coach, he has good energy and I liked working with him at camp. I know he will make me better.”

He feels the same about Saban. The head coach at Alabama has won seven national championships and the new commit is excited about what he is going into.

“Coach Saban is the best ever. He has a plan, he sticks to that plan and Alabama wins championships. Alabama knows how to work, how to win and it starts with Coach Saban. The coaches and the team stick o the script that he lays out. I get to play for the best coach ever and be a part of a team that competes, wins and achieves its goals.”

Kirkpatrick is a versatile defensive back that had around 20 offers when he made his decision. He can play all over the secondary, but is likely to start out as the STAR position at Alabama.

Eager to make his own way in Tuscaloosa

While growing up, most likely thought Kirkpatrick was dreaming of playing for the Crimson Tide. He wasn’t. Florida State was his childhood favorite. But to now follow in his father’s footsteps, he couldn’t be more excited about his future.

“When I played pee wee football, I was on the Seminoles. My favorite players growing up were Jameis Winston and Jalen Ramsey. I loved Florida State. Alabama was always a school I watched and I went to some games, but it was Florida State that I cheered the most for.

“Now though, going to Alabama is a big deal for me. It feels great to follow in my dad’s footsteps, but I want to be my own person too. He has been there for me, he has taught me a lot and it is great to be going to the same school as him, but we are different players that do things differently and I get to start my time at Alabama soon.”