Last month was difficult for Alabama football, as it saw an opportunity for the College Football Playoff slip away in a loss to Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in the Iron Bowl. Players on both offense and defense know this season did not end the right way, and they are prepared to fix it.
Patrick Surtain II, a sophomore cornerback, continued the week of player interviews on Friday and he sees the Citrus Bowl meeting versus Michigan as an opportunity to set the tone for next season.
In the absence of Trevon Diggs, Josh Jobe has stepped up at left corner.
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According to Surtain, the four-star has Brough ‘fire’ to the Tide’s defense and he expects for Jobe to emerge and play well against the Wolverines’ group at wide receiver. Alabama had one of its 20 signees from Wednesday participate in practice on Thursday and per Surtain, he feels like Jahquez Robinson (four-star cornerback) is going to do ‘big things.’
“He’s a talented guy,” Surtain said of Robinson. “He did all the periods with us in practice. He looks good. He is starting to get comfortable. He’s just out there having fun.”
This is also a huge game for Surtain, in terms of leadership. With the likes of Diggs, Jared Mayden, Shyheim Carter and Xavier McKinney (potentially) heading to the NFL Draft, the former five-star becomes the leader of the secondary.
He is looking forward to taking on the role, but it will start versus Michigan.
Surtain had 35 tackles, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two interceptions this season.
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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.
