Published Jan 9, 2018
Take Two: Is Patrick Surtain SEC-bound or will he pull a surprise?
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Adam Gorney  •  Rivals.com
National Recruiting Director
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MORE TAKE TWO: Who will take over JT Daniels' spot atop the 2019 Rivals100?

Take Two returns with a daily offering tackling a handful of issues in the college football landscape. Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney lays out the situation and then receives takes from Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell and an expert from the Rivals.com network.

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THE STORYLINE

Five-star cornerback Patrick Surtain is the only prospect among the top 10 nationally not committed or signed and there is even more intrigue into his recruitment since he does not say much - ever.

The Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage standout said at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl that he’s planning visits to Alabama and LSU in the coming weeks and that other trips could be possible as well. Ohio State and Florida State are among the other schools involved in his recruitment.

But could a sleeper emerge before National Signing Day? What about Miami, which is pursuing American Heritage teammate Tyson Campbell, or possibly another program? It seems unlikely, but Surtain has played his recruitment so close to the vest anything could happen.

Many think the five-star cornerback will end up at LSU, a long-time favorite of Surtain’s, but what happens if his Alabama visit goes incredibly well? The Crimson Tide have certainly shown the ability to swoop in and pretty much get any recruit they want.

What becomes of the best cornerback in this class? Is he SEC-bound or is a surprise in store?

FIRST TAKE: ROB CASSIDY, RIVALS.COM SOUTHEAST RECRUITING ANALYST

“Visits mean everything in this instance, but pulling Surtain away from LSU will be tough. Florida State was once seen as the darkhorse, but the coaching change may have set the Seminoles back a bit.

“I wouldn't eliminate FSU totally, as Willie Taggart is a proven recruiter, but Alabama feels like more of a threat to the Tigers these days.”

SECOND TAKE: MIKE FARRELL, RIVALS.COM NATIONAL RECRUITING DIRECTOR

“Miami is the dark horse. I know he visited there for bowl practice and from what I understand, Florida State and LSU are the two top schools and Alabama wants him a lot. I don’t know if he’s eliminated Miami or why Miami is not being talked about more. Campbell is looking at Miami and that would be the school to keep an eye on.

“He doesn’t talk about recruiting at all, so I don’t know. If he’s going to visit Ohio State, you can never count them out. Zach Smith is recruiting him and they have a great defensive backs coach and they do great with DBs. LSU is thought to be the favorite, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Alabama stole him away and Ohio State could be the darkhorse. If he’s interested in Miami, they’ve got to be included as well.”