Alabama's Minkah Fitzpatrick wins first national award

Alabama cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick did something last week that no other Crimson Tide defender had done, return two interceptions for touchdowns.The freshman got Alabama on the scoreboard first against Texas A&M with a 33-yard touchdown off a Kyle Allen interception.

He got Allen again in the fourth quarter on a 55-yard interception returned for a score. Fitzpatrick totaled two tackles, adding to his two takeaways that combined for 88 yards.

The Walter Camp Foundation recognized Fitzpatrick as its National Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. He joins linebacker Reggie Ragland as the second Alabama player to win a national award. Fitzpatrick has 24 total tackles on the season with three tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass breakups, two interceptions, a blocked punt and three touchdowns.

Alabama defeated the Aggies 41-23, and will face Tennessee at home this week.

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

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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 10+ 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.