TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Alabama reportedly interviewed father of highest uncommitted recruit ahead of OC hiring

That could have almost certainly landed them a top recruit.

Alabama has filled its offensive coordinator position with the promotion of Mike Locksley, but the school reportedly interviewed quite the interesting candidate before making the move. According to BamaInsider.com, the program interviewed Patrick Surtain, the former three-time Pro Bowler and father of top uncommitted recruit, Patrick Surtain Jr.

The younger Surtain is the top ranked cornerback in the class of 2018 and the No. 5 overall recruit in the class as well according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He currently plays for his dad who coaches American Heritage High and the opportunity to play for him at the collegiate level would certainly be intriguing for him. Here's what Surtain said about the interview.

"I met with all the people in the office, I met with Coach Saban and his staff. It was actually a great experience for him to even consider me," Surtain said. "To be a [defensive backs] coach at Alabama would be a tremendous honor. Eventually it may happen, but I guess it wasn't the right time."

While most people would believe that it's a clear package deal going on here, the elder Surtain wanted to make it clear that that wasn't the case.

"That was the first thing I mentioned to Coach Saban. I told him I didn't want it contingent on where Pat [Surtain Jr.] comes there or not. That wouldn't be fair to him. [Saban] assured me that it wasn't. He interviewed me because he thought I'd be a great defensive backs coach."

That seems a bit tough to believe, but he's not going to outwardly admit that taking the job would mean his son would follow him. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Surtain Jr. also has offers from LSU, Clemson, Florida, Ohio State, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Miami and Michigan among others.

[h/t SEC Country]