Cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. chose Alabama over LSU and Miami on Wednesday morning. He announced his decision at 9 a.m. CT at American Heritage High School.
Surtain Jr., a five-star recruit, was thought to be LSU-bound for much of the recruiting cycle, but Alabama apparently closed the gap with his visit on Jan. 19.
“Why Alabama? It’s a culture over there,” he said after making his announcement. “They win championships.”
He’s the second-best prospect in Florida and the sixth overall prospect in the 2018 class, according to the 247 composite rankings. His father is Patrick Surtain, a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback. His father is also his high school head coach.
“He just told me to stay humble and don’t let this process get to you,” Surtain Jr. said. “Just weigh down your options and go from there.”
Surtain Jr. joins junior college enrollee Saivion Smith, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Josh Jobe and Eddie Smith as the other cornerbacks in Alabama’s 2018 class. Smith made his decision on Wednesday morning.
The secondary was a priority for Alabama in this recruiting cycle. The Crimson Tide’s top six defensive backs from 2017 all graduated or entered the NFL draft.
Tyson Campbell, Surtain Jr.’s high school teammate, chose Georgia over Alabama and Miami, landing with former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.
