Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. to wear father's number at Alabama

Alabama added a legacy recruit in its 2024 cycle, with Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. signing with the Crimson Tide. Now, he’s reportedly planning on honoring his father by wearing his father’s number 21 during his time in Tuscaloosa.

Kirkpatrick’s father, Dre Kirkpatrick, played at Alabama under Nick Saban from 2009 through the 2011 season. During that time, he was a two-time national champion and two-time Second-Team All-SEC selection. That led to him being a first round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Initially, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. committed to play for Nick Saban, like his father did. However, Saban has since retired and Kalen DeBoer came in to take his place. Still, Kirkpatrick made the decision to stick with Alabama amid the coaching change.

Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. was a three-star defensive back recruit in the Class of 2024, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was also the 67th-ranked safety and 680th-ranked player overall in that class.

When Kirkpatrick Jr. first committed to Alabama, Saban spoke about the importance of bringing in legacy recruits.

“I think that’s the first legacy for Alabama. Not necessarily the first legacy for me. I coached Mark Ingram‘s dad at Michigan State — but the first generational legacy player that played for us at Alabama and now has a son playing here. I think it’s great,” Saban said.

“His dad has been a really good ambassador for the program, was a great player here and had a great NFL career. You really appreciate that part of it, but I know how proud he is of his son and what his son has been able to accomplish as his son has an opportunity to come to Alabama.”

Saban went on to note that Dre Kirkpatrick is definitely a different person from his father. However, he does know that they’re both good people from a good family.

Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. is one of two Alabama players who are currently set to wear the number 21 next season, with wide receiver Bubba Hampton also claiming the number. Since Kirkpatrick’s father left Alabama following the 2021 season, there have been several players to wear the number 21, including Jared Mayden, DJ Lewis, and Maurice Smith. Most recently, Jake Pope wore it for the Crimson Tide.

On top of wearing his father’s number, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. will also try to emulate his father’s play on the field and become a key player for the Crimson Tide.