Dre Kirkpatrick reacts to his son committing to Alabama

Dre Kirkpatrick got to witness a special moment on Friday night, as his son, Dre Kirkpatrick, Jr. committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide. His father was overcome with emotions seeing his son not only commit to the Tide, the team he starred for in college, but also seeing him hold up an Alabama jersey with his old number on it.
Check it out below as Kirkpatrick is in tears following the special moment.
For more on the recruitment process of Dre Kirkpatrick, Jr., check out the article below from On3ās Chad Simmons.
The recruitment ofĀ Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.Ā changed quickly in Tuscaloosa late in July. TheĀ AlabamaĀ legacy arrived at Alabama with thoughts ofĀ Arkansas,Ā AuburnĀ andĀ Mississippi StateĀ as his future home. After working out withĀ Travaris RobinsonĀ at Alabamaās camp, those thoughts changed.
Kirkpatrick was called up the office ofĀ 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.
āI knew right about a week after Alabama offered that I was going there,ā Kirkpatrick told On3. āI 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.ā
Kirkpatrick isĀ Alabamaās 18th commitmentĀ this cycle.
Kirkpatrickās excited about who will get to play for at Alabama
Kirkpatrickās 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.
āIt 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.ā
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.
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āCoach 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.ā
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 wasnāt. Florida State was his childhood favorite. But to now follow in his fatherās footsteps, he couldnāt be more excited about his future.
āWhen I played pee wee football, I was on the Seminoles. My favorite players growing up wereĀ Jameis WinstonĀ andĀ 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.
āNow though, going to Alabama is a big deal for me. It feels great to follow in my dadās 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.ā
On3ās Chad Simmons also contributed to this article.