Alabama football: ‘Polished’ freshman CB Patrick Surtain II flashing elite talent early on
By Marq Burnett
Published:
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Nick Saban could only sum it up as a “great play on the ball.”
In the second quarter of Alabama’s win over Texas A&M on Saturday, freshman cornerback Patrick Surtain II found himself in one-on-one coverage against Texas A&M receiver Quartney Davis. Surtain’s coverage was so good, he mirrored the route and was able to intercept the pass thrown by Aggies quarterback Kellen Mond.
“I think that elevated everyone’s play, it excited everyone,” Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses said. “That was really big. I know that excited him and everybody on the sideline. As far as the defense goes, that really boosted us up and got us hyped, and for the offense, that pretty much made them want to do what they had to do.”
Surtain, who has appeared in all four games, made the first start of his young career against Texas A&M, replacing junior college transfer Saivion Smith. He lined up opposite junior Trevon Diggs in all of Alabama’s defensive packages. Along with the interception, he added 3 tackles on the afternoon.
“We liked him because he’s big and they have some big receivers,” Saban said of the decision to start Surtain. “He made some mental errors at the end of the game that we’ll need to correct and he’ll learn from. I’ve been pleased with his progress and his performance. He’s a bright guy, he’s very athletic, he’s got good ball skills and he plays with toughness.”
Listed at 202 pounds, Surtain is bigger than Alabama’s two starting safeties — Xavier McKinney (198) and Deionte Thompson (196) — so the physical gifts are there.
But Surtain making it into the starting lineup so early in his time at Alabama not only speaks to his natural athletic gifts but his commitment in the film run and at practice. Young players don’t see the field defensively if they can’t be trusted to execute their assignments.
Wide receiver Devonta Smith, who faces Surtain in practice every day, said the freshman is “very polished” to be that young.
Surtain has 8 tackles and 3 pass breakups on the year.
“Pat is another guy that comes and works every day,” linebacker Anfernee Jennings said. “Always here, always trying to learn and get better, and it’s showing.
“It doesn’t surprise me (that he’s learned the defense so fast). When you put in the work and the time and all that, it comes natural.”
Veteran Alabama beat reporter Marq Burnett covers the Crimson Tide for Saturday Down South.
