McDonald scores three TDs in big win

Kyriq McDonald, three-star safety from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, demonstrated what he could do with the ball in his hands. He scored three touchdowns in a 28-6 win against Clay-Chalkville High School on Friday night.

McDonald returned the opening kickoff 80-yards for a touchdown. He returned an interception 30 yards for another score in the first quarter. He added a 50-yard touchdown run in the second half.

"It's all about who starts the fastest," McDonald said. "You have to keep going. You can't just wait until the second or third quarter or whenever you are down to start making plays. You have to make plays as soon as you step on the field.

"It's a good team win for us. I believe I competed all night as much as I could. It's good to show out in front of your future coaches. It's great to get a feel of a good game atmosphere. I was hyped to have the coaches here. I was excited about it."

The coaches in attendance were Alabama assistants Mario Cristobal and Karl Dunbar. They were also getting a close look at teammate LaBryan Ray and Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Nico Collins. McDonald is hoping Ray joins him in Tuscaloosa.

"That's my brother," he said. "I want him to come there. I want him to be with me as long as we are playing football."

McDonald was in Tuscaloosa on Saturday for Alabama's 48-0 win against Kent State. He was impressed with the win on the road the previous week at Ole Miss.

"It was good to get the win over there," McDonald said. "It was huge. We pulled it out in the end. Coach Saban teaches never quit. Always go out and give 100-percent. That's what they did. We just have to keep pushing the rest of the year."