TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– He was recruited in 2015 as a cornerback, but Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has his entire skill set on display versus Texas A&M.
The junior from Old Bridge, N.J., lined up at cornerback, safety, star (nickel) and money (dime) in the Crimson Tide’s 27-19 win over the Aggies at Kyle Field.
To say he was everywhere would be stating the obvious – seeing how he totaled five tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a pass breakup and a critical interception off quarterback Kellen Mond in the fourth quarter.
INT!! @minkfitz_21 #BamavsTexasAm pic.twitter.com/F66b2bM3qe
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) October 8, 2017
Just as Texas A&M had seized moment following Mond’s rushing touchdown, the five-star defender snatched it back for Alabama when he recovered an onside kick with 17 seconds remaining in regulation. Behind Fitzpatrick, the Tide’s secondary held Christian Kirk to four catches for 52 receiving yards – despite him getting free for a score during the third quarter.
Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone had the Aggies registering 448.2 yards a game, prior to its meeting with Alabama. Upon the end of the contest, Fitzpatrick and the Crimson Tide held the high-powered squad to 140.2 yards below its average (308) while forcing three turnovers.
During today’s unveiling of Southeastern Conference weekly honors, the 6-foot-1 defender was one of six players recognized – sharing Co-SEC Defensive Player of the Week alongside LSU’s linebacker Devin White. Fitzpatrick and Alabama will host Arkansas this week for homecoming.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
