John Metchie names best college CB he played against
John Metchie had a lot of success at Alabama. In his last two seasons, the former college wide receiver totaled 2,058 yards and 14 touchdowns on 151 receptions. Playing in the SEC, he’s lined up against his fair share of quality cornerbacks. Some of those top matchups include Kaiir Elam from Florida, Roger McCreary from Auburn and Martin Emerson from Mississippi State.
So, who is the best cornerback Metchie has played against on the college level?
Well, he says it’s his former teammate, Patrick Surtain II. In fact, Metchie told Ben Swanson, the managing editor for DenverBroncos.com, and other media that going against Surtain in practice helped he become one of the best receivers in college football. Here’s the exact quote:
“I went against him every day,” Metchie told the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday morning. “Other guys, you go against them during the game and stuff like that, but even so, Pat was the best by far. That’s why you go to Alabama. You compete against the best every single day.”
Metchie wasn’t the only one to praise Surtain either. Fellow wide receiver Slade Bolden also added this:
“Even though I would play outside some, especially during practice, and I would go against Pat pretty often,” Bolden said. “… He would sometimes play ‘star’ and have to play that nickel ‘Sam’ position, which covers the slot a little more often. And, yeah, I’ve had my few battles with Pat, and I’m thankful because he’s made me better and hopefully I made him a little better, too.”
There’s a reason the Broncos selected Surtain No. 9 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. There’s also a reason PWFA All-Rookie Team alongside former teammates Mac Jones, Najee Harris and Christian Barmore. As a rookie, Surtain produced 58 tackles, 14 pass deflections and 4 interceptions, one of which he returned for a 70-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings.
Now, it’s Metchie’s turn to go make an impact on an NFL roster. Despite suffering a torn ACL against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game in early December, he’s still projected to hear his name called sometime during Day 2 of the upcoming draft in April. Who knows, he might get another opportunity to line up against Surtain, whether that be in practice or a game.
Several former Alabama standouts are participating in the NFL Scouting Combine this week. Unfortunately, Metchie, Jameson Williams and Evan Neal will all miss the on-field workout portion. But Bolden, Brian Robinson and multiple others will participate. So stay tuned for updates.
