Whatever argument you can make for Alabama, you can also make in favor of LSU. Both programs have produced a wealth of NFL talent and can offer Surtain playing time in his freshman season.
And while Wednesday may seem like a disappointment when it comes down to top prospects, the Crimson Tide will at least be able to secure the top two players in their home state.
Recruiting information obtained from247 Sports.
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Patrick Surtain Jr., DB, American Heritage (Plantation, Florida)
There could be more bad news headed toward Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Wednesday if Olaijah Griffin opts to stay at home and attend USC.
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Failing to bring in Campbell and Surtain would seem like a massive issue for the Crimson Tide, but they do havethree corners already signed, and they still have a chance at a defensive back prospect from California later on Wednesday.
Griffin, who is considering Tennessee along with Alabama and USC,made his official visitto Alabama on January 26, but it doesnt appear that hell sign with the Crimson Tide as of now.
Alabama is at a disadvantage when it comes to the top remaining recruit left unsigned.
By head coachNick Sabans standards, Alabamas current recruiting class is a bit of a disappointment.
After losing out on Surtain, the Crimson Tide could fail to secure the commitment of his teammate Tyson Campbell.
USC swooping up Griffin wouldnt hurt Alabama, but if the Volunteers add the son of rapper Warren G, it will be the first shot delivered by Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt at his former employer.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, a Florida native,is trending toward Ohio State, but he has also received strong interest from new Florida head coach Dan Mullen.
At the end of the day, Alabama will still have one of the top recruiting classes in the nation, but it wont be as stacked as previous ones in the Saban era.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Florida)
When it comes down to the decision-making process on Wednesday, Surtain should pick LSU, but his choice wont leave Alabama in a hole.
Ross seems like the biggest lock of the top recruits interested in Alabama.
However, that total could grow if Ross is joined by one of the defensive backs the Crimson Tide are interested in.
Alabama has onetop 30 recruitin defensive end Eyabi Anoma, but that could change if it lands a few of the big names set to commit on Wednesday.
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Although they cant compete with the personal ties Surtain has to Louisiana, the Crimson Tide can offer Surtain a decent amount of playing time with their whole secondary departing.
Alabama hasnt had a stranglehold on in-state recruits in the class of 2018, but it could receive a boost if thetop player in Alabamachooses it on Wednesday.
Alabama is on the outside looking in for the signature of the top unsigned offensive player.
The addition of Ross would give Alabama a pair of top-50 recruits with Anoma being the other.
The Crimson Tide arent going to finish atop theteam rankingsfor the class of 2018, but a late surge could boost them as high as third.
Patrick Surtain Jr. isfavored to go to LSU, but the Crimson Tide could make a late push and steal him away from the Tigers.
Losing out on Surtain, Campbell and Griffin will hurt, but only if all three end up in the SEC. If that is the case, the Crimson Tide could be dealing with all three for the next three to four years.
Campbell, who is favored tohead to Georgiaentering Wednesday, would be a fantastic signing for the Crimson Tide, but it appears likely that hell join former Saban assistant Kirby Smart.
Olaijah Griffin, DB, Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo, California)
Ross commitment would give Alabama the top two recruits in the state since it already received the commitment of defensive back Jalyn Armour-Davis, who is rated as thesecond-besthigh school player in Alabama.
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Unless something drastic changes between now and Petit-Freres announcement, the Crimson Tide wont have a top 10 prospect in the class of 2018.
Like we mentioned above, losing out on defensive backs on Wednesday wont kill the Crimson Tide internally because of the numbers they have at the position in the class of 2018, but what would hurt Saban and Co. is if Griffin leaves home and ends up at a conference rival.
Wide receiver Justyn Ross is considering the Crimson Tide, Auburn and Clemson in his decision-making process.
The Crimson Tide will be in the hunt for a few defensive backs, and they could make a late run on wide receivers as well during national signing day.
Justyn Ross, WR, Central (Phenix City, Alabama)
Tyson Campbell, DB, American Heritage (Plantation, Florida)
Michigan and Notre Dame are also involved in the hunt for the nations top high school lineman.
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