Alabama fans enjoyed the swagger, confidence, and excellence Dre Kirkpatrick played with as a cornerback.

He excelled for three seasons in Tuscaloosa (Ala.), winning a Southeastern Conference Championship in 2009 and two BCS National Championships in 2009 and 2011. Kirkpatrick earned first-team All-American honors in 2011, following a campaign where he collected 29 tackles, four tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He was on an elite defense that led college football in all five major categories, including scoring defense (8.2 ppg allowed) and total defense (183.6 ypg allowed).

RELATED: Kickoff time and TV network announced for Alabama’s home opener

His son, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., has continued the legacy by committing and signing to the Crimson Tide. 

An alumnus of Gadsden City High School, Kirkpatrick was an explosive, versatile defensive back and return specialist. 

The 6-foot, 192-pounder has strong instincts and is an opportunist when it comes to attacking the ball. He performed well in spring practice, rocking his father's No. 21 jersey. Kirkpatrick recorded an interception in the A-Day game, but his takeaway was called back because of a penalty. He has been crafting his footwork and coverage skills this offseason to position himself with a chance at playing time in the secondary. Kirkpatrick should see action on special teams, but he wants to show coaches Kalen DeBoer, Kane Wommack (defensive coordinator), and Colin Hitschler (safeties coach) he can be an asset in the secondary too. 

Good work today 1% better #rolltide pic.twitter.com/MMWL2nmMjw

— Dre Kirkpatrick jr (@KirkpatrickDre) May 11, 2024

Tide fans look forward to seeing production from Kirkpatrick.

*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! https://tdalabamamag.com/subscription-plan-3/&source=gmail&ust=1553653762990000&usg=AFQjCNGXj_usIpB2PdyPD8cPjtGzQfNzN A">SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*

Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.