His journey is not over yet, but Thursday’s coronation of him being honored and his head football coach watching is a good sign of things to come for junior safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The product of Old Bridge, N.J., was awarded with the both Jim Thorpe (nation’s top defensive back) and Chuck Bednarik (defensive player of the year, Maxwell Football Club) honors at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show inside the Hall of Fame building in Atlanta.
Minkah Fitzpatrick wins @Paycom Jim Thorpe Award! pic.twitter.com/EGRNCH4NFZ
— Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (@jimthorpeaward) December 8, 2017
With Nick Saban and his parents smiling, Fitzpatrick becomes the first defensive back under Saban to win the Thorpe Award and second in school history to win – Antonio Langham, 1993.
He also follows up former Crimson Tide standout Jonathan Allen (2016) in being the second Alabama player to earn the Bednarik Award. Despite how good it looks for the Tide, Fitzpatrick’s accomplishment makes the third individual in college football to win both honors in the same season – paring him with Charles Woodson (1997, Michigan) and Patrick Peterson (2010, LSU).
He recorded just one interception, but his expertise and diversity at multiple positions has navigated the program to its fourth consecutive College Football Playoff appearance.
Congrats @minkfitz_21 on winning the @MaxwellFootball Bednarik Award! @AlabamaFTBL
— Ron Jaworski (@JawsCEOQB) December 8, 2017
Regardless of him dealing with a hamstring and multiple linebackers missing action, Fitzpatrick assisted a unit that was among the best nationally in certain areas. He stands with 52 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and an interception.
Currently, Fitzpatrick projects a top-10 to top-15 pick for next year’s NFL Draft.
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.
