Since his commitment to the University of Alabama before arriving, fans have closely watched the development of Patrick Surtain II. The son of former National Football League standout, Patrick Surtain Jr, the talented cornerback was a five-star from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla.
Although he enrolled with four-stars Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis, Surtain was the one hit with a comparison to another ex-Crimson Tide star.
He handled summer workouts, 7-on-7 drills and fall camp with ease, and after rising up in a huge moment against Mississippi, Surtain will be called upon again to help shut down another explosive offense that has a trio of wide receivers – ranging between 6’2” or taller.
Texas A&M is much improved under Jimbo Fisher; however, its fan base still remembers the pain that one certain true freshman caused in 2015. He’s becoming the real deal for the Miami Dolphins, but Minkah Fitzpatrick had Tide fans shouting in his first season against the Aggies.
His instincts, ball skills and anticipation led to 14 points, as Fitzpatrick picked off quarterback Kyle Allen twice and returned both for scores. Not only did his efforts present a 41-23 victory to Alabama at newly-renovated Kyle Field, but it also earned him Freshman All-American honors.
While the Tide will be at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Surtain’s physical make-up and mental capacity is what has drawn the expectation for him being like Fitzpatrick. Of the trio of targets for Texas A&M, Nick Saban may challenge his freshman by putting him on Jhamon Ausbon.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound specimen has 13 receptions for 201 yards and has averaged 15.5 yards per catch in three games. Ausbon turned in a productive freshman campaign with 50 receptions for 571 yards and three touchdowns.
A lot of players wore No. 2 in scout team this week to represent Ausbon in practice for Alabama. Saban got on his secondary about playing physical against the Aggies’ receiving corps, but he has been impressed with Surtain thus far.
Alabama True Freshman DB @p_surtain2 pic.twitter.com/2Hmb9ISwaj
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 10, 2018
“Patrick has done a really good job,” Saban said Wednesday via phone at the Southeastern Conference Coaches Teleconference. “He’s a bright young man. He fits our style very well for what we want to do.”
Through its three days of media viewing practice periods, Surtain has been spotted taking reps with the first team at nickel and dime. He lined up at right corner in both packages, which makes Saivion Smith a backup corner in nickel and the sixth defensive back in dime.
His aggressive nature will burn him at times; nevertheless, it could be what Alabama needs from Surtain as it tries to limit one of the nation’s best scoring offenses. One of the best high school defenders in football is on the verge of possibly having a breakout performance on Saturday.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
