D’Andre “Dre” Kirkpatrick was a stud at cornerback for Alabama from 2009-11.

The former first-round pick of the 2012 NFL Draft is about to enter his fourth season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Kirkpatrick has totaled 57 tackles, a sack and six interceptions in three seasons, yet he looks forward to this year. He is battling former Michigan State corner Darqueze Dennard for the number one cornerback position in training camp.

Jason Marcum, Cincinnati Bengals writer (SB Nation), said both Kirkpatrick and Dennard are performing well in training camp. Kirkpatrick recorded an interception off quarterback Andy Dalton and a pass breakup last week, during the Bengals’ fifth practice. He picked up the pace down the stretch last season, playing 218 snaps in the last seven games.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.