Five-star cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. is set to announce his decision on National Signing Day on Wednesday, with LSU and Alabama in a dogfight for the nation's top cornerback prospect.
LSU held a lead for nearly the entirety of Surtain's recruitment, prior to a late surge by Alabama, with his official visit to Tuscaloosa giving the Crimson Tide an opportunity to close the gap last month. Like LSU, Alabama has a major need at cornerback, and the opportunity to be coached by Nick Saban, who specializes in defensive backs, would be appealing to the talented prospect.
But LSU is able to counter with defensive backs coach Corey Raymond, who built a strong bond with the Surtains during the recruiting process.