Five-star cornerback to settle on five official visits

HIALEAH, Fla. – One of the top uncommitted prospects in America, Patrick Surtain knows plenty of people are waiting on his decision. The five-star defensive back won’t let that affect him, though. This is not a man in any sort of rush.

His measured approach to the process matches his larger demeanor.

“I haven’t set anything yet,” Surtain said on Friday. “I’m still planning out officials.”

Still, there are some things to which Surtain will concede. He says LSU, Florida State and Clemson, all of which are seen as possible landing spots, will likely get official visits. The other schools in running to get officials, however, are in less certain positions. He rattles those off from memory.

“Florida, Miami, Ohio State, Alabama; those schools,” Surtain said. “I’ll be figuring it out soon.”

The timing of his visits, like some of the destinations, remain uncertain. Surtain isn’t worried about classes filling up or his options dwindling. His skill set ensures he avoids such issues. It’s why his plan is, well, leisurely.

“I will take some during the season and some after,” he said. “It just depends on what the coaches want. I’ll do whatever the coaches want, I guess.”

The No. 3 player in the class of 2018, Surtain is America’s top-rated defensive back. He attends Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage High School.

IN HIS WORDS:

-- “I was thinking I’ll either commit late in the season or just waiting until Signing Day. One of those.”

-- “I still talk to coach [Corey] Raymond and Coach [Ed] Orgeron over at LSU a lot. I talk to Coach [Dave] Aranda, too.”

-- “I still hit up Miami I’m still talking to them. They’re still a school. They’re still that school, you know?”

RIVALS REACTION: It seems unlikely that visits to places not names Florida State, LSU or Clemson will matter much here. You never know with recruiting, but it would take a pretty special official to sway Surtain away from his three assumed frontrunners. Then, anything is possible.