Alabama Football: Is Aggies Coach Sumlin afraid of Minkah Fitzpatrick?

In a recent press conference, Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin said that Alabama football defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick should be up for the Heisman.

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The junior DB is high in Sumlin’s respect, with the coach stating that “Fitzpatrick, I think, should be not just on the Thorpe Award list or any of that […] I think he should be on the Heisman list,” according to Matt Zenitz of AL.com. Alabama football’s defense is ranked first in the country, and Fitzpatrick’s leadership on the field is a big reason for that success.

"“While lining up at at least three different spots in Alabama’s secondary, Fitzpatrick is tied for the team-lead with 23 tackles and has 2.5 stops for a loss, a sack, two additional quarterback hurries, three pass deflections and a blocked kick through five games.”"

Sumlin added that “you can tell [Fitzpatrick’s] a frustrated offensive guy because when he gets his hands on the ball, he tries to score every time. Every time he has it.”

No disrespect to Coach Sumlin, who just treated his opponent on Saturday with much respect of his own, but do not these words seem a bit much? Maybe, they speak of a man who saw a nightmare for his freshman quarterback to handle?

Aggies starting QB Kellen Mond has only completed 54.8% of his passes and he has already thrown two interceptions, this season. Those passes were not even against a defense as talented nor as ferocious as Alabama. Cue the pass rush and Fitzpartick should be feasting on tackles and interceptions all night long.

Once Fitzpatrick lines up against Mond’s favorite target Christian Kirk, not even Star Trek‘s Scottie will be able to beam the freshman QB fast enough out of the stadium. The boos and crickets will flood the Aggies’ ears, as Fitzpatrick and the defense will likely dismantle their offense.

Fitzpatrick buzzes around the field, making not only plays in the secondary but in the backfield, as well:

As much as Fitzpatrick’s smile may seduce Alabama football fans, his tenacious attack against any quarterback, let alone a freshman, makes the opposition quake with fear. One sack or hurry from Fitzpatrick, and the game could be over in Mond’s mind. He will continuously look for Fitzpatrick, instead of staying patient in the pocket to look for a receiver. That fear would make it easier for Alabama, as their strength is, ultimately, against the run.

Next: TAMU Wednesday practice and Saban media review

That fear may also be deep in Coach Sumlin’s mind. By watching Alabama football footage, he may be saying these lovely words about Fitzpatrick because he doesn’t know how to strategize against the DB. If Fitzpatrick gets his hands on the ball or the Aggies QB, the party may be over in Kyle Field before it starts. Maybe they should start the Heisman Trophy victory party for Fitzpatrick, instead.