Uncommitted: Where Will Dre Kirkpatrick End Up?

Uncommitted: D’Andre (Dre) Kirkpatrick

High school: Gadsden City (Ala.)

Position: CB/DB

Size: 6-foot-3, 185 pounds

Tom Lemming’s Top 100: No. 12 overall (No. 1 CB)

Finalists (alphabetical): Alabama, Florida, Texas, USC

MaxPreps.com

While college football heavyweights continue to pursue D’Andre (Dre) Kirkpatrick, considered the nation’s best cornerback, his final decision will largely be based on a pint-sized package weighing no more than 30 pounds.

Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. won’t be 3 until June but he will surely steer his 19-year-old father to a final college destination.

USC coach and master recruiter Pete Carroll made a great impression on the spider-like 6-foot-3, 185-pound senior from Gadsden City High (Ala.) last summer but when asked about the possibility of being a Trojan, Kirkpatrick paused.

“I already think about getting out there and looking around and not seeing my little man around anywhere,” he told the Birmingham News is this terrific read about raising a child while in high school.

Despite his additional responsibility, Kirkpatrick’s stock has raised throughout his high school career based on superb speed, great hands, a long reach and flexible hips that are more commonly seen on blue chip cornerbacks six inches shorter.

His long frame also gives him great room for additional size and srength.

CBS Sports recruiting expert Tom Lemming has Kirkpatrick the No. 12 recruit in the nation overall and first among cornerbacks.

Though quiet in nature and easy going, Kirkpatrick shows Deion Sanders splash on the field.

“He comes from a rural and good home and he has a lot of confidence,” Lemming said. “He’s a real standout with long arms and explosive moves. He’s the type of kid who can play and contribute as a true freshman wherever he goes.”

Where that will be is still up in the air but all signs point somewhere near sweet home in Alabama.

The small tiny fingers of Dre Jr. not only point there but the large strong hands of Jerrell Harris, a freshman linebacker at Alabama who was Kirkpatrick’s teammate in high school.

Don’t be surprised if current teammate Kendall Kelly, Lemming’s No. 9 receiver nationally, also ends up following the 120-mile path from Gadsden to Nick Saban-land.

With just five days until official signing day, here are the destinations Kirkpatrick is considering and where we think he’ll end up.

USC (20-to-1): Great fit athletically and considering the Trojans’ superb reputation on defense, could be the clearest path to the NFL. But the distance between Kirkpatrick and Dre’ Jr. – not to mention entire support team – is far too wide.

Florida (10-1): Far less miles than Southern California, but similar attractions in locale, elite program and dynamic coach. Kirkpatrick’s trip to Gainesville earlier this month was a big success.  

Texas (5-1): The Longhorns made great impression on Kirkpatrick’s final visit last weekend and is another great fit, but unless entire family moves to Austin, this just won’t happen.   

Alabama (even): Elite program plus 90-minute drive home equals Kirkpatrick in Crimson.

Final take: Normally, NFL tunnel vision is small, narrow and dangerous. And usually, teenage parenthood leads to very bumpy roads. But “Little Man,” - Kirkpatrick’s pet name for his son - plus a balanced and loving support system has energized and crystallized his dream. “Little man was the spark for me to change my life,” he told the News. “I’ve got to make it for little man.”

If that’s the case, then Alabama is his best and only choice.

More Recruiting News

MaxPreps All-American and gifted all-around athlete Adam Hall (Palo Verde, Tucson, Ariz.) has stuck by his dad and picked the University of Arizona, Richard Obert of the Arizona Republic reported today.

The 6-5, 205-pound running back, receiver and defensive back, who scored 38 touchdowns in a variety of ways last season, picked the Wildcats over Oregon and Cal. His father, Rev. James Hall, played at Arizona in the 70s.  

E-mail Mitch Stephens at mstephens@maxpreps.com.