THE SURTAIN JR. FILE
First-team All-SEC, 2020
SEC Defensive Player of the Year, 2020
Unanimous All-American, 2020
CFP National Champion, 2020
PFWA All-Rookie Team, 2021
By Lenn Robbins
Expectations have followed Patrick Surtain Jr. his entire football career so the praised being heaped on the second-year cornerback isn’t likely to be too much of a burden.
Surtain Jr.’s father, of course, was a standout NFL corner for 11 seasons, compiling 37 interceptions and being name an All-Pro twice. Junior is following in Senior’s footsteps.
After a star-studded career at Alabama, Surtain Jr. turned in the best season of any rookie corner in 2021. Despite battling a knee injury, Surtain Jr., the Broncos first-round pick (No.9 overall), posted four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and 14 passes defensed.
Here come the expectations again: Surtain Jr. is being considered the next great corner. Jalen Ramsey of the Rams currently is regarded as the best and his defensive coach last season is now Surtain Jr.’s defensive coordination in Denver.
“I don’t think Pat or myself are too worried about that," Ejiro Evero told reporters. "We’re just worried about him being his very best self. The great thing about Pat is that I don’t know if I’ve been around a corner—Jalen was a heck of a worker as well - but Pat is every bit as equal in terms of coming out and working every day and looking to get better.”
How’s that for expectations?