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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — If you’re counting, the number is up to four.
Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick was spotted at the Money position when the Crimson Tide practiced out of the dime package Friday morning. The switch marks the fourth spot he’s been seen working at since Alabama opened up its fall camp last week.
The crazy thing is, he hasn’t even showcased his full versatility.
“The fact that he can play all six positions in the secondary allows you a little flexibility to kind of see who the other guys are,” Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremey Pruitt said on Media Day. “If we need help at corner, he can play corner. If we need him inside at Star and Money, he can play there. And safety. So, he’s got a unique skill set that gives you a little flexibility.”
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So far, Fitzpatrick has appeared at strong safety, left cornerback, Star and, most recently, Money. Of course, that’s only counting what reporters have caught during the first 15 minutes of practice.
“He’s everywhere,” cornerback Anthony Averett said. “Sometimes he’s working with the coordinators and sometimes even with the receivers.”
Regardless of whether he is able to, it’s unlikely Fitzpatrick completes the cycle and plays at all six secondary positions this camp. Right cornerback is manned by Averett, who was named the top at his position by ESPN’s Todd McShay recently. Free safety, the only other position Fitzpatrick has yet to be seen at, is occupied by Ronnie Fitzpatrick, another future NFL player.
Still, Fitzpatrick’s adaptability isn’t lost on his teammates.
“It took me a lot just to play the position at corner." Averett said. "To play other positions, it would be difficult. If I put my mind to it I could probably do it.”
Luckily for Averett and the rest of the secondary, that burden falls primarily on Fitzpatrick. The challenge for the rest of Alabama’s defensive backs is getting used to seeing the junior at multiple spots this spring.
Although, so far it hasn’t been too much of an issue.
“No effect (on us), it’s a good thing for him,” Averett said. “It helps him, it creates depth as well, in case someone goes down. You never know. It’s a good thing that he has different position skills.”
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Last year Fitzpatrick started the season at Star before moving to strong safety, replacing injured Eddie Jackson. The switch came naturally to Fitzpatrick, who developed into one of the defensive leaders, earning All-American honors while leading the SEC with six interceptions. The defensive back's ability to read the game also came in handy, as the safeties are generally in charge of calling out coverages to the rest of the defense.
That begs the questions, would a switch in positions hamper Fitzpatrick’s ability to take charge on the field?
“He can be that same guy, even though I know as a corner he can give the same kind of signals at corner as he does as a safety,” Averett said. “I kind of look at the safety a lot, but he can be anywhere. Communication is very important in the secondary, period. Everyone needs to step up and be a leader.”
If Fitzpatrick does indeed move to a new position, it would seemingly put more pressure on Harrison, especially in the coverage aspect of the game. However, the free safety said he has been working on his communication and feels confident in his abilities no matter who plays beside him.
“I take responsibility regardless of whoever’s back there,” Harrison said. “Even last year, I took responsibility to make sure I made my communication, made my calls, made sure that everyone was still on the same page.”
Saturday’s scrimmage should provide more clues as to how Alabama will line up in the secondary this season. After that, No. 1 Alabama will have three weeks before it opens its season against No. 3 Florida State on Sept. 2.
Expect plenty more switches and experiments until then.
“We know that we have guys who can play multiple positions, so nobody’s stressed out right now,” Harrison said. “We’re just all going out there trying to see what pieces fit.”
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