Alabama legacy Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. challenging for spot in secondary

Alabama football legacy and sophomore defensive back, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. was named as a player challenging to make an impact at the Tide’s HUSKY position. 

The HUSKY position plays within the Tide’s defensive secondary.

DeVonta Smith started at the position in 2024 before transferring to Notre Dame at the conclusion of the regular season. DaShawn Jones settled more into the position as last season progressed and ultimately started there against Michigan when Smith departed from the progtram. 

Jones is the projected starter at HUSKY, but Kirkpatrick is showing he can provide quality depth, per Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. 

“He’s (DaShawn Jones) been out a little bit,” Wommack said. “So just now getting to see him a little bit there, going through individual and stuff. Been really impressed with Dre Kirkpatrick. He’s doing some really good things.”

Kirkpatrick played in all 13 games for Alabama in 2024 while contributing on special teams.