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NJ Native Minkah Fitzpatrick Drafted by Miami Dolphins

Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was drafted by the Miami Dolphins with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Thursday evening. Before he even declared to play for Nick Saban, he was balling out in the Garden State.

Jersey Strong

Fitzpatrick played his high school football at St. Peter’s prep in Jersey City, NJ. He was ranked the 30th best athlete in the nation when he graduated, according to 24/7 Sports. 

Fitzpatrick broke out onto the scene in 2014 while at St. Peter’s prep, recording 70 tackles and three interceptions. He also played on offense in 2014, recording 45 receptions for 1,111 yards and 12 touchdowns. He didn’t play offense at Alabama, but he did set the school record with four interceptions returned for touchdowns. 

Fitzpatrick also won several national championships under Saban, including two wins in the College Football Playoff National Chamoionship Game (2016 vs Clemson, 2018 vs Georgia).

It wasn’t an easy path for him, either. His Old Bridge home was struck by Hurricane Irene in 2011, leaving him and his family in a dark spot. 

“I just kept my faith,” Fitzpatrick told ESPN in reference to the natural disaster that struck his home. “God got me through tough times, and as a family we just stuck together as a unit and we got through it.”

Now that he is with the Miami Dolphins, the NJ native has more work to do in order to earn a roster spot in the NFL. Should he get that spot, his first challenge will come against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 9. 

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Stephen Ur

Stephen is the Football Editor at DoubleGSports.com
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