When Jude Fitzpatrick first picked up a football in seventh grade, he said he had no idea what he was doing. Now a few years later, the Upperman junior has turned into one of the Bees’ most dependable players.
“It really mainly started when I got into high school,” Fitzpatrick said. “Under Coach [Adam] Caine, he kind of taught me all the things I needed to know and I got to work on some scout team running back, and I’m playing fullback now.”
Fitzpatrick said that steady growth came through long hours of practice and extra work with his coaches. The result has turned into a breakout season for Fitzpatrick, who has led Upperman in tackles in two of the past three games while adding several tackles for loss and pass breakups.
“Being a linebacker, it’s definitely something that we pay a lot of attention to and [it is] kind of the center of our defense and the head of our defense making most of the plays,” Fitzpatrick said. “Just being able to read what’s happening and read the whole picture has been one of the things that’s been focused for our team as a linebacker and for me as a linebacker.”
While his defensive play anchors the Bees, Fitzpatrick has also made an impact running the football. Jude is one of seven running backs who have carried the ball for Upperman this season. Fitzpatrick said he has had to bring his defensive instincts over to the offensive side.
“You learn a lot of nuances about it and finding a gap and about reading your blockers,” Fitzpatrick said. “The importance of being able to see the bigger picture in football [is something special playing for the Bees.]”
Fitzpatrick will continue his junior year Friday night as Upperman hosts the White County Warriors in a Region 4A matchup.
