Saban lands initially legacy commit in Kirkpatrick Jr

• Alex Scarborough, ESPN

  • Personnel WriterAug 18, 2023, 07:47 PM ET Close Covers the SEC.Joined ESPN
  • in 2012.
  • Graduate of Auburn University.Nick Saban marked

a milestone in his Alabama tenure Friday, landing the dedication of his very first legacy player in 2024 defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.An unranked possibility from Gadsden, Kirkpatrick Jr. picked Alabama over Arkansas, Auburn and Missouri. He is the boy of former Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., who signed on to bet Saban 14 years ago.Editor’s Picks

Kirkpatrick Sr. played for the Crimson Tide from 2009 to 2011, making the All-SEC team twice and winning a set of national championships. Prepared in the first round by the Cincinnati Bengals, Kirkpatrick Sr. played a total of 10 seasons in the NFL, including 1 year stints with the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers at the end of his career.Saban, 71, is entering his 17th season at Alabama, where he has won 6 national championships and 8 SEC titles.