On Friday, Alabama fans were excited but felt old at the same time.
They watched Dre Kirkpatrick choose the University of Alabama as his collegiate destination in 2009 from Gadsden (Ala.) City High School. He arrived as a five-star cornerback and played from 2009 to 2011 under Nick Saban. Kirkpatrick was a two-time BCS National Champion (2009, 2011) who got better each season. He totaled 53 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups in 2010. Kirkpatrick got selected at No. 17 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
RELATED: WATCH: Dre Kirkpatrick overcome with emotions seeing his son commit to Alabama
He spent ten years in the National Football League, but he now has a son on the come up. Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., a cornerback in the 2024 recruiting cycle, committed to the Tide from Gadsden City High School. He carries the swagger of his father, but he is ready to chart his path. Several fans of Alabama football felt the nostalgia and posted their reactions on Twitter to the commitment.
Man… we’re getting old. I remember when he was a baby!
Congrats @KirkpatrickDre! I know @DreKirkSWAG is proud. https://t.co/QDiJG3zWCA
— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) August 18, 2023
Let’s go!!! Swag Jr!!! @DreKirkSWAG @KirkpatrickDre #Bamaroyalty https://t.co/ZRPDmcHmg9
— Will Lowery (@jwlowery29) August 18, 2023
Like father like son 🐘⚪️🔴‼️
— Tre’ 🥋 (@TrickyTre__) August 18, 2023
— Jaxxy 🖖🏻 (0-0) (@besthatlived) August 18, 2023
Saban coached his dad from 09-11, who was a first rounder. I’m biased, but this is one of the greatest statistics in college football history. https://t.co/tMd1mpodr4
— Alex Amorose (@AlxAmrse) August 18, 2023
Yessir come on home🐘🐘🐘 https://t.co/arOqOs56h4
— Cameron Groves-Warren (@the1andonlyCamG) August 19, 2023
I feel hella old now https://t.co/VvFnZjWeNB
— Franklin Aint (@ajacobs_xxvi) August 19, 2023
Proud big cousin. ROLL MF TIDE BABYYYYY @KirkpatrickDre https://t.co/scntQUKHfh
— Riah 🦋 (@shante_r8) August 19, 2023
ROLL TIDE https://t.co/GxkRrV6hBM
— @Bamawear (@GregBates7) August 19, 2023
— 🏴☠️ (@HellaBayWiditt) August 19, 2023
RELATED: Alabama legacy 2024 ATH Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. set to announce commitment
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
