Alabama lands top prospect on the board in Patrick Surtain II

Video: Patrick Surtain Jr. Ultimate Highlights
Top 10 prospect headed to Tuscaloosa.

A late surge in the 247Sports Crystal Ball for Alabama proved to be correct as five-star defensive back Patrick Surtain II of American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) made a commitment to the Crimson Tide live on ESPNU.

Surtain's decision was the first big surprise Wednesday as college football's regular signing period got underway.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound cornerback is pegged as the No. 6 overall prospect in the Class of 2018. He was the top uncommitted player left on the board and could nudge Alabama's recruiting class into the top five.

Playing for his father at American Heritage, Surtain Jr. helped the Patriots go 28-0 with a pair of state titles over his final two seasons.

Patrick Surtain Sr. was born in Louisiana and played high school football in New Orleans before an 11-year career in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs. LSU was long considered the leader for his son's services.

Surtain Jr. wasn't the only five-star prospect at American Heritage making a decision Wednesday. Fellow defensive back Tyson Campbell made the call for Georgia, which entered the day with the nation's No. 2-rated recruiting class.