Christian Fitzpatrick, brother of Dez Fitzpatrick, commits to Louisville

Christian Fitzpatrick never played on the same team as his older brother Dez Fitzpatrick. That is about to change. 

The four-star receiver from Southfield, Michigan, committed to Louisville Sunday evening, becoming the 23rd member of the 2020 class. His announcement came one day after finishing up his official visit at Louisville. 

"At the end of the day the whole family is really excited because we know what type of brother Dez is and coach (Gunter) Brewer is an incredible wide receiver coach," Christian's father, Greg Fitzpatrick said. 

Greg never really thought of Fitzpatrick as an FBS football player until his sophomore year of high school. Then he mixed his work ethic with his physical development. Listed on most recruiting websites as 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Greg said Fitzpatrick is closer to 205 pounds, but is a touch over 6-foot-4 as well. 

"He's a legit 6-foot-4," he added. 

Christian Fitzpatrick is bigger than his older brother, Dez. Christian's game is slightly different as well. Greg described him as a mix between Dez and Louisville senior receiver Seth Dawkins. 

"He’s a very physical player, big body and big hands like Seth. He will go up to high point the ball and will lower his shoulder on you, but he has some very quick feet too," Greg said. "It’s tough to jam him, because he’s strong and quick. We work on his release relentlessly." 

The decision to commit to Louisville was made easy when the family saw what coach Scott Satterfield was building first hand with Dez in the building. Fitzpatrick wanted to make his official visit to be certain. 

Along with watching the game, Fitzpatrick was able to watch film with Brewer. 

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"Fans may look at a game and see it one way and see 22 passes, but because we watch film with coach Brewer we can see the intention of certain plays," Greg said. "We can see why it broke down and who is the primary guy. He felt real comfortable that there will be enough balls flying around and that he could develop. He wants to get better and he knows he can get better down there." 

Fitzpatrick is just the second four-star commitment in the 2020 class for Louisville, joining quarterback Chubba Purdy. 

Louisville now has four receivers in the 2020 class and could add more. Jordan Watkins, a three-star wide receiver, decommitted from Kentucky and visited Louisville on Saturday two weeks after visiting for the Boston College game on Oct. 12. Watkins remains undecided. 

Fitzpatrick, along with the rest of the 2020 class, will be able to sign with Louisville on Dec. 18, during the NCAA’s early signing period.  

The Cardinals still have five open spots left in their recruiting class.

Cameron Teague Robinson CTeagueRob@gannett.com; Twitter: @cj_teague; Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/subscribe.