Christian Fitzpatrick is the younger brother of Louisville redshirt junior WR Dez Fitzpatrick. Louisville fans have known about him for a while. Over the summer, Christian committed to Coach Mike Leach and Washington State. However, on October 16th, he decommitted from the Cougars.
I have contacted the coaches at Washington State University and let them know that I have reopened my recruitment. I want to thank coach Spurrier and Coach Leach for their belief in my ability. I wont be doing any interviews, focused on making the right decision. #GoCougs
— Christian Fitzpatrick (@Cfitz_1) October 16, 2019
This decommitment comes just before Fitzpatrick officially visits Louisville this Saturday for the Clemson game. Fitzpatrick is big, long, athletic WR from MI. Our recruiting staff decided to review his highlights and give our thoughts on Fitzpatrick’s abilities. We will then give our thoughts on where we think he will end up playing in college.
First, a profile of Christian Fitzpatrick:
- Position: WR
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 210 lbs
- High School: Southfield High School
- Hometown: Southfield, MI
- National Rank: 637 (247sports Composite)
- Position Rank: 106 (247sports Composite)
- Offers: 18, including Louisville, Washington State, Boston College, Oregon, Iowa State, Penn State, and Purdue, among others
- Visit: 10-19-19 (Official)
- Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2C5jzR
What would UofL Football be getting in Christian Fitzpatrick?
Shawn: Christian Fitzpatrick is a big, physical WR with great length, athleticism, and hands. Not as precise a route runner as his older brother, he’s still a very good one. Fitzpatrick glides on the field and has deceptive speed. Though not as fluid in his movements as Dez, he still has good agility and can make defenders miss in the open field. His strength will make it hard for anyone to press him at the line. It also makes him an excellent run blocker at the WR position; which is an ability that will really make him a fit for Scott Satterfield’s offense. Fitzpatrick tracks the ball well in the air and his massive hands allow him to reel the ball in with ease. His ability to use his big body to shield defenders from the ball and catch it make him a QB’s best friend. Maybe his greatest asset is his length and leaping ability. It allows him to go up and high point the ball, making him very hard to defend.
Fitzpatrick’s father, on Louisville Sports Live, said his son is a cross between his brother Dez and Seth Dawkins. That is a very apt comparison. One other player he reminds me of is former Louisville great Devante Parker.
Fitzpatrick is a WR that can go over the middle for a catch, can go down the sideline and beat defenders with speed, and can go up and grab 50/50 jump balls. He will be a QB’s dream receiver because a QB can throw the ball up to him and 9 times out of 10 he will come down with the catch. He will also be a RB’s dream because he should be able to open up the edge in the run game because of his blocking ability.
Sam: At 6’4 and over 200 lbs, Christian Fitzpatrick has a nice blend of size, athleticism, and speed. I love Christian’s quick feet and strong hands. Christian can and will routinely beat bump man (press coverage) because he uses those quick feet and strong hands to fight off the defender, not allowing them to re-route him.
Christian uses his 6’4 frame and incredible vertical to win a lot of jump balls. The younger Fitzpatrick attacks the ball with aggression and violent hands allowing him to make a lot of tough catches. Although his hands are strong, they are also soft. Christian catches a lot of passes with his hands and not his body (which helps eliminate a lot of drops). Christian Fitzpatrick is a very, very good route runner. He keeps his route nice, tight, and precise (which also lessens the defender chance of an interception). Christian can come in and arguably be one of the better route runners on the team from Day 1.
Higgy: Coach Fitzpatrick said it best he’s a combo of Dez & Seth Dawkins. I couldn’t agree more. This kid is very special with his hands & the ability to go fight for the jump ball. His lateral moves are what make me more excited for him. He reminds me of two Cardinal greats. Devante Parker in his ability to go get jump balls & Harry Douglas in his ability to catch the deep balls & make yards after the catch. I really, really like this kid & I can’t wait to see him & his brother lined up on both sides next year! This guy will come in and gun for some of Deion Branch’s records!
Does Christian Fitzpatrick follow in his older brother’s footsteps and become a Card?
Shawn: Christian Fitzpatrick will be the second Fitzpatrick to join Louisville. He is the type of receiver this class is missing; a big, long, physical WR. He will have a chance to get significant and immediate playing time from the start.
Higgy: Christian Fitzpatrick will be a Cardinal.
Sam: He commits to Louisville.
