Alabama Defensive Back Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. Has to “Build the Trust Up” in Return

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Last season, second-year Alabama defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. was suspended following an arrest during Alabama's second bye week. Kirkpatrick did not transfer from Alabama, instead opting to return to the Capstone for his third season of college football and work through his suspension to return to action for Alabama football.

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On Sunday, Kirkpatrick was photographed by UA Athletics back on the practice field with Alabama ahead of his third season. On Tuesday, during his first media availability of spring practice, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked about Kirkpatrick and what he's done to return to the field.

"Yeah, he had consequences for what he did and the things he's gone through. There's still pieces to that that he's taking care of when it comes to those consequences with the team," DeBoer said on Tuesday. "Missed a lot of the season last year to be able to get back to the spot where he is on the football field. He met those requirements and has a great attitude about him. He loves ball. He's got to build the trust up with his teammates out there every day. He'll do the things not just on the field, but off it as well to meet the standard our program expects."

Kirkpatrick appeared in eight games last season before his suspension, totaling nine tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble. He was named Special Teams Player of the Week by the Crimson Tide's coaching staff after Alabama's 30-14 victory over Vanderbilt.

Kirkpatrick Jr. is the son of former Alabama defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick, who was a first-round draft pick in the 2012 NFL draft after spending three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Kirkpatrick Sr. spent 10 seasons in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Arizona Cardinals, and the San Francisco 49ers.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.