Five-star cornerback strolls toward Signing Day decision

PLANTATION, Fla.-- Patrick Surtain isn’t the type to make snap decisions. It’s why his timeline hasn’t changed and neither have the schools involved in his recruitment. He knows Jimbo Fisher, the coach with whom he spent time building a relationship, is out at Florida State, but he isn’t making any bold proclamations about the Seminoles in the move’s aftermath.

His approach on that front is of the wait-and-see variety.

“It’s not over with them at all,” Surtain said of the Seminoles. “I still like Florida State. I’m still considering them. Whatever coach comes next, I’m going to give him a look.”

But while FSU searches for a coach, LSU, Clemson, Alabama, Miami and Ohio State continue to pursue the five-star defensive back. And Surtain, who spent months saying LSU was his leader, is sporting a more neutral tone these days.

“It’s all tied up,” he said on Friday. “I actually had a recent in-home visit [with LSU coach Corey Raymond]. He just told me how much of a valuable asset I’d be for them. We went over the cornerback situation.”

Surtain’s most recent recruiting conversation came with the staff at Alabama, members of which flew in for his state semifinal game. And while the conversation wasn’t long or groundbreaking, every little thing helps grow a relationship.

“Yeah, I saw them out here at the game,” Surtain said. “Coach [Derrick] Ansley was at the school, too. He was really just telling me good luck on my game and talking about the corner situation for next year. They say they really need me. I already know why type of school Alabama is.”

RIVALS REACTION: Miami has made a strong move with Surtain in recent days, but the Hurricanes and everyone else are still chasing the Tigers. Alabama and Clemson still have a punchers chance, with Ohio State being the dark horse. Surtain will not announce a commitment until Signing Day in February, so his upcoming official visits will likely mean everything.