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With yet another Darrelle Revis holdout seemingly in the offing, the Jets might need to add another cornerback with starting potential. Here is a chat with Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick, one of the best corners in the 2012 draft . . .
Q)How much did you learn playing for Nick Saban (and secondary guru)?
Kirkpatrick: He teaches you discipline, how to respect other guys around here and how to be a team player and that’s one of the things I have to take to the next level.
Q)How demanding is he?
Kirkpatrick: Very demanding.
Q)What is your height and weight?
Kirkpatrick: 6-0, 186
Q)Who was the the toughest receiver you had to go against in your college career?
Kirkpatrick: I would say Julio (Jones). We went at it every day hard just to make each other better.
Q)What do you think sets you apart from some of the other guys in the draft at your position?
Kirkpatrick: Just being coached by a great leader (Saban) and being prepared by one of the best receivers to play college football (Jones).
Q)What can you tell us about your arrest and the dismissal of the charge?
Kirkpatrick: It was me being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The guy that left the marijuana in the car turned himself in and didn’t want to put me in a bad situation. He signed an affidavit saying that I was unaware of the marijuana being in the car and I was unaware of it.
Q)So it was his?
Kirkpatrick: Yes sir.
Q)Did a lot of teams ask you about it?
Kirkpatrick: Yes sir.
Q)Did you play more zone or man-to-man in college?
Kirkpatrick: The main thing we really play is man and bump and run, but I’m happy where I’m at with my zone skills.
Q)Did you give up any touchdowns last year?
Kirkpatrick: One . . . the Florida game (Andre Debose on the game’s first play). It was the first one I have ever given up.
Q)What was the route?
Kirkpatrick: He ran a fade route on me and I was playing over aggressive. Just didn’t measure my steps.
It stuck with me a little bit. I thought of it after the game but it didn’t faze me during the game.
Q)What area of your game do you feel like you need to improve?
Kirkpatrick: The biggest thing is not being too amped up. Trying to make a play instead of letting it come to me. I’m trying to make a play and let it get away from me.
Q)What was biggest technique thing Coach Saban taught you?
Kirkpatrick: The man to man kick slide.
Q)How would compare your game to Mo Claiborne’s?
Kirkpatrick: I think our games are similar. Only difference is I’m just a little taller. I’m very physical and want that physical play.
Q)What can you tell us about Janoris Jenkins?
Kirkpatrick: He’s very physical.
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