Nick Saban and Alabama have specialized in creating elite defensive backs at the university for over a decade now, and Patrick Surtain is one of the next great prospects.
Rated as the top defensive back in this year’s upcoming draft according to ESPN’s draft analyst Todd McShay, Surtain’s skills are no secret to anybody. And former Alabama defensive back Javier Arenas is just the next person who is impressed with Surtain’s skills.
On Tuesday, the Tampa, FL native was responding to a Tweet when he compared Surtain to that of former NFL cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Ahead of his response the debate online was as to whether Surtain is comparable to Nnamdi Asomugha but Arenas thought otherwise.
“Not so much. That guy (Nnamdi) was just long, and a playmaker,” Arenas said. “Pat is that, a technician, and will tackle. If you guys are making the Nnamdi comparison, simply because Pat is a long corner like Nnamdi, then Cromartie would have been a more respectful comparison.”
Not so much. That guy (Nnamdi) was just long, and a playmaker. Pat is that, a technician, and will tackle. If you guys are making the Nnamdi comparison, simply because Pat is a Long corner like Nnamdi, then Comarti would have been a more respectful comparison
— Javier Arenas (@JavierArenas21) September 3, 2020
Arenas’ evaluation of Surtain is sound, as both he and Cromartie stand at the same height at 6’2″ and are willing tacklers and possess sound technique when evaluating their on-field play.
Although Cromartie may not be a household name to the casual fan, he played in the NFL for 11 seasons, intercepted 31 passes, and made the Pro Bowl four times in his career.
Definitely a resume many former defensive backs wish was theirs.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
