When he signed his letter of intent for the University of Alabama in 2015, Minkah Fitzpatrick’s main goals were to be productive and win national championships. He achieved both during a three-year span (2015-17), while also obtaining status as an All-SEC, All-American, Chuck Bednarik Award and Jim Thorpe Award recipient following his junior season in 2017.
The New Jersey native was selected 13th overall to the Miami Dolphins in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft and per head coach Adam Gase, the former five-star recruit is doing everything he can to make plays on the field. Fitzpatrick was one of few players that excelled during Miami’s first week of organized team activities, according to a report from Dolphins.com.
“I know he’s trying to immerse himself in this stuff,” Gase said. “He’ll do anything he’s asked to do. No matter what group he’s running with, he’s trying to put himself in position to make plays and make sure that he’s doing his job.”
At Alabama, Fitzpatrick displayed supreme versatility.
He started at nickel as a freshman – recording two interceptions for touchdowns – and would be featured at both safety and dime linebacker in his career. Standing at 6-feet, 204 pounds, Fitzpatrick totaled 171 tackles, 26 pass breakups and nine picks through three seasons.
After being an integral part of two national championships for the Crimson Tide, he looks to navigate the Dolphins’ secondary to great things in the coming fall.
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 @CoachingMSmith.
