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LOOK: Former Alabama star Patrick Surtain II snags pick-six in NFL debut

Sean Labarby:Sean Labar•08/14/21•

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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

It didn’t take long for former Alabama CB Patrick Surtain II to show off his skillset to the NFL. In the second quarter of the Denver Broncos preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings, the ninth overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft read Jake Browning’s eyes and made the interception.

This is a scene Alabama fans are familiar with.

Surtain shined in his three seasons in Tuscaloosa.

As a true freshman at Alabama in 2018, he started 12 games and recorded 37 tackles and an an interception. Surtain returned in 2019, adding 42 tackles, three-forced fumbles, eight pass breakups and two interceptions to the resume.

The former Alabama star returned as a starter for the Crimson Tide in 2020, earning pre-season All-American honors. Surtain finished last season as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

“Lockdown, press-man cornerback with elite size, length and talent to match up with any brand of receiver from any place on the field,” said NFL analyst Lance Zierlein. “He was a five-star recruit coming in and he consistently competed for championships in high school and college. Surtain possesses elite physical and athletic traits with the rare combination of length and short-area quickness that allows him to play on a press-man island and phase routes on all three levels. He plays to his length with plus technique and cover skills that make winning downfield a very challenging proposition. He was beaten in true man-to-man battles for 29-plus yards just five times during his career. His ability to stay connected to the route allows him to shut down yards after catch very quickly as a strong, wrap-up tackler. Run support goes in the “strengths” column, as well. He’s been well-schooled at home and at Alabama. He’s wired like a future All-Pro cornerback.

Another Surtain in the NFL

Surtain’s father, also named Patrick, shined in his 11 seasons in the NFL. He played his best years at the beginning of his career, earning Pro-Bowl nods in 2003, 2004 and 2005.