ATHENS, Ga. -- He's just a freshman, but he's already making big plays.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, a first-year Alabama defensive back, came up with one of the Crimson Tide's key plays of the first half against No. 8 Georgia Saturday, when he blocked and returned Collin Barber's punt for a 1-yard touchdown.

Fitzpatrick, who went untouched on the play, scored on the blocked punt with 4:48 left in the second quarter.

Alabama has now blocked two punts this season, with the first coming from fellow freshman defensive back Ronnie Harrison against Middle Tennessee State earlier this season. That block went out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

Prior to this season, Alabama hadn't blocked a punt since Kenyan Drake did it at home against Colorado State in 2013. Dillon Lee returned that loose ball 15 yards for a touchdown in a 31-6 victory.

Under coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide has now blocked and returned four punts for touchdowns.

Fitzpatrick, from Old Bridge, New Jersey, has received significant playing time on both defense and special teams in every game thus far this season. Against the Bulldogs, the freshman also had four tackles, a sack and one pass breakup.

The touchdown, the first of Fitzpatrick's career, pushed Alabama's lead to 17-3. The Crimson Tide led 24-3 at the half and ultimately won 38-10.

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