Stats Don’t Lie: Derrick Surles Jr. Is One of Alabama’s Most Underrated Prospects
- Johnathan Lewis
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
In a recruiting landscape where exposure often matters as much as production, Southside-Selma standout Derrick Surles Jr. is a perfect example of a player whose performance should be generating far more college interest than it currently is. Despite strong two-way production and consistent playmaking ability, Surles currently holds just one reported offer from LaGrange — and that simply doesn’t match the numbers or the film.
The senior wide receiver and defensive back has put together an impressive career at Southside, highlighted by a breakout senior season. Surles finished with 75 receptions for 1,316 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging nearly 94 receiving yards per game. Across his varsity career, he totaled 88 catches for 1,540 yards and 19 scores, proving himself as a reliable weapon in the passing game.
But Surles isn’t just an offensive contributor. On defense, he has been equally impactful. During his senior season he recorded 68 total tackles, 3 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries, showing versatility and physicality in the secondary.
That kind of production on both sides of the ball isn’t common, especially in smaller classifications. His senior receiving yardage ranked him among the top performers in Alabama and near the top of Division 3A, illustrating that his impact wasn’t just local — it stacked up statewide.
At around 6’1”, nearly 190 pounds, Surles has the size and frame that college programs look for in a developmental wide receiver or hybrid defensive back. He’s shown he can win vertically, create yards after the catch, and contribute in multiple phases of the game. Players with that kind of versatility often become valuable depth pieces early and impact starters later in their college careers.
The reality is that players from smaller programs often fall through the cracks of the recruiting industry, especially when they aren’t attending major camps or receiving early national exposure. Surles’ production, however, shows he’s more than capable of competing at the next level — particularly for FCS, Division II, and even Group of Five programs looking for under-the-radar athletes with upside.
If recruiting is about identifying talent, production, and growth potential, Derrick Surles Jr. checks all three boxes. His stats prove he can produce, his versatility proves he can adapt, and his trajectory suggests there’s still room to grow.
For programs searching for a playmaker who brings toughness, two-way ability, and proven production, Surles is the kind of prospect worth evaluating sooner rather than later.
*Sources: MaxPreps
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