Alabama impossible to turn down

Kyriq McDonald, three-star safety from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, announced his commitment to the University of Alabama in a joint video with Kendall Randolph, four-star offensive tackle from Bob Jones High School, also in Madison.

"I let Nick (Saban) know about my decision when I was at the cook-out a few weeks ago," McDonald said. "I silently committed then. I then did my recruiting video.

"He was excited. He was fired up about it. He really wants me to help the secondary. I can play all three positions (safety, nickel, corner). I am a playmaker anywhere I play. I can play special teams and return kicks. I am an athlete."

Alabama was an easy decision.

"It's in-state," he said. "How could you not choose Bama? It just feels like home. The coaching staff made me feel really good about it. It was impossible to turn down Bama. I am blessed. It's great to have all the stress off me now."

McDonald and Randolph have been close friends since they played Pop Warner football together in their younger days. The two have talked for a long time about their decision.

"This wasn't a thing we just talked about a week ago or at the cook-out," McDonald said. "We have been friends for a long time. We have been talking about this for a long time. We knew what we wanted to do."

McDonald plans to take all five official visits in the fall. He is also taking extra classes in hopes of graduating in December. He is recruited by Alabama offensive coordinator, Lane Kiffin.