Minkah Fitzpatrick to Alabama: Crimson Tide Land 5-Star CB Prospect

No program in college football retools quite like Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide, who are set to welcome yet another talented face to Tuscaloosa in 2015. 

According to 247 Sports, 5-star cornerback recruit Minkah Fitzpatrick has committed to Alabama.

Fitzpatrick, a junior at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City, N.J. is rated as the top class of 2015 prospect from the state of New Jersey and the fourth-best cornerback available in 2015, according to 247 Sports' composite rankings. 

Fitzpatrick had also received offers from rival Auburn and defending national champion Florida State.

Prior to announcing his decision, Fitzpatrick talked about why Alabama ranked toward the top of his list, via Rivals' Mike Farrell (paid subscription required):

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I've got a lot of family in Alabama – my father's side is from there – so that's a big plus...Coach (Nick) Saban is one of the greatest defensive back coaches and one of the greatest coaches of all time. Getting to learn from him for three or four years would be a great experience and I felt like I'd become the best player I could be there.

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It's not surprising that Alabama caught Fitzpatrick's eye, but it's also no shock why the Crimson Tide sent the high school star an offer.

The 6-foot, 185-pound Fitzpatrick is an intelligent cornerback with prototypical size, strength and speed who can thrive in either zone or man-to-man coverage schemes. Fitzpatrick is also a natural playmaker in the secondary, as evidenced by his six interceptions over the past two seasons in high school, per 247 Sports.

ESPN Insider (paid subscription required) breaks down Fitzpatrick as he prepares for his senior season at St. Peter's Prep:

"There may be corners a bit faster and more fluid in this class but few who are as well-rounded and technically sound. Fitzpatrick is also scheme versatile as we see the ability to produce in both zone and man coverages at the next level. Very good college prospect with a high probability of success."

Although Crimson Tide fans will have to be patient, it's only a matter of time before Fitzpatrick becomes an impact player at the next level.

He's got all the physical tools to succeed, and if he can continue to improve his footwork and add some muscle in college, he'll have every chance to excel in the SEC.

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