Tide adds Gadsden duo

GADSDEN | The University of Alabama added two key pieces to its recruiting class Wednesday when defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick and wide receiver Kendall Kelly capped a National Signing Day ceremony at Gadsden City High School by picking the Crimson Tide.

Kirkpatrick and Kelly were among six Titans seniors who announced their college decisions in front of a packed auditorium and television cameras broadcasting nationwide.

It was the second year in a row Gadsden City had elite talent head to Alabama. Last year, linebacker Jerrell Harris picked the Crimson Tide during a similar ceremony.

“(Today) is a tribute to the kids, the assistant coaches, their teammates and their families and how they were raised and their work ethic and their natural ability,” said Gadsden City head coach Joe Billingsley, a former Millport High star player and Gordo head coach. “It’s a great day for these young men on a personal basis, and for me as well. It’s an honor to be able to be around these guys and to be around Gadsden City High School.”

Kirkpatrick and Kelly announced their picks on ESPNU, which carried updates on signings across the country throughout the day.

Kirkpatrick, the last to announce his decision, played up his moment in the spotlight, picking up a Texas cap before saying, “This hat right here, it ain’t got no swagger, so I’m gonna give it some swagger.”

He then pulled out a black bag, removing a red box that contained another bag with a cap inside. He opened the bag, saying, “Y’all ready? Alabama,” before placing a black and red Crimson Tide cap on his head.

Following the ceremony, Kirkpatrick said he was looking forward to playing for Nick Saban, who in addition to serving as UA’s head coach individually works with defensive backs.

“It’s going to be fun and exciting,” he said. “I want a coach that’s going to be hard on you, going to make you work, that’s going to be determined to make you work and that can push you on to the next level. I think (Saban) can do it.”

Just prior to Kirkpatrick announcing, Kelly also picked the Tide. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder chose Alabama over Clemson, Tennessee and his runner-up, LSU. Kelly said his decision went down to the wire.

Asked when he made his final decision, Kelly said, “Probably when I woke up this morning.”

Kelly also cited Harris’ presence on the Alabama campus as something that helped his decision.

“Having a teammate down there with me already and Dre being down there with me too was a big help,” Kelly said. “Your first year is one of your hardest years down there, so it’s good to have family down there with me.”