Top HS cornerback flips schools at last minute
In the world of college athletics, unlike in pro sports, there is no parity and the rich get richer.
For example, the Philadelphia Eagles just won the Super Bowl, but they’ll an uphill battle next year with the last pick in each round of the NFL draft.
However, the team that just won the NCAA football championship, the Alabama Crimson Tide, won’t be starting from the bottom — they’re landing some of the nation’s best high school players.
Most of those players were favored to go to Alabama all along, but on National Signing Day, one top prospect surprised many by choosing Alabama over heavily favored LSU.
Cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. is the top-ranked corner in the nation and the No. 6 overall prospect. During his press conference to announce his college decision, many expected him to pull out an LSU hat, but instead Surtain chose the Tide.
Surtain had not committed to any school, but most thought he would choose LSU. 247 Sports had the Tigers with a 57 percent chance at landing him and Alabama at 43 percent.
With five championships over the last nine seasons, Alabama’s winning culture undoubtedly swayed Surtain’s decision.
“Why Alabama?” Surtain said after choosing the Tide. “Because there’s a coach over there. They win championships. Over here, we’re used to winning, so I want to be a part of that winning culture.”
His high school, American Heritage in Plantation, Florida, finished 14-0 last year to win its fourth state championship in five years.
Going to LSU would have been a homecoming of sorts as Surtain’s father, Pat Sr., is from Louisiana. The elder Surtain was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Miami Dolphins, and Pat Jr. grew up in South Florida.
LSU fans and alumni weren’t happy about the move.
Dude said "because they win championships", never mentioned "I want to contribute to winning a championship"
Implies you want to take an easier path.
— whoami.exe (@WasteOfATP) February 7, 2018
Look for Surtain Sr. to be named a coach or consultant on the Bama staff. I'm hearing that was part of the "deal."
— Terence "TJ" Johnson (@tj4sho88) February 7, 2018
Jarvis Landry taking a shot at Patrick Surtain II after picking Alabama over LSU? 👀 https://t.co/fMKviI9Je4
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) February 7, 2018
Apart from Alabama and LSU, Surtain also made official visits to Clemson and Miami in the last month.
He had offers from practically every other school in the country including Notre Dame, USC and Michigan.
At 6 feet 1 and 200 pounds, Surtain is in the mold of former Alabama cornerbacks Dre Kirkpatrick and Marlon Humphrey. Those players combined to win three national championships at Alabama and were first-round picks in the NFL draft.
Opposing quarterbacks avoided throwing in his direction for much of his time at American Heritage. Surtain notched five interceptions during his high school career and played varsity ball all four years.
He also showed an ability to find the end zone as he scored four return touchdowns with two coming off interceptions, one on a fumble return and one on a punt return.
Surtain’s signing with Alabama was such a big move that the Tide jumped from No. 7 to No. 4 in 247 Sports composite team rankings.
The Tide stands to move even higher before the day is over as there are still a number of top prospects considering the school, and Surtain’s signing may make their decisions a little easier.
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