Five-star locked in with Alabama

Jedrick Wills, five-star offensive tackle from Lafayette in Lexington, Kentucky, is the No.17 player in the Rivals100. The top player from the Bluegrass State is committed to the University of Alabama, and showing why he was one of the most heavily recruited players in the country with his performance so far this week in Orlando.

"It means a lot to me to be here especially with me being the only person from my hometown down here," Wills said. "I just want to play to the best of my abilities and show everyone what I have.

"I'm down here to have fun with the other guys who are also ready to go to college and compete. It's not every day you get to go against people like this. I am going to take advantage of it.

"I want to show people what I can do. I want people to see how my game has improved throughout the season. I am going against the same guys I went up against at the Rivals camp. It's great to go back up against them in this game."

So what has life been like for the Lexington native since his commitment to Alabama?

"It's been crazy," he said. "I didn't receive as much criticism as I thought I would. There was still some, but I just ignore it. I have a whole lot of people telling me congratulations. People say they are rooting for me and wishing me well.

"People say they hope I do great, and a lot of people believe in me rather than people hating on me for going to Bama. I enjoy it.

Don't expect the local SEC school to give up hope until February.

"UK is still trying to recruit me," Wills said. "They said they will recruit me until I sign the dotted line. I think I am done though. I don't plan on taking any more visits. I am really excited about our class. We have the best class. We know what's coming. It's going to get even better."

The No.4 offensive tackle in the country has developed a close bond with future teammate and five-star offensive lineman, Alex Leatherwood.

"Alex and I talk almost every single day," Wills said. "I also talk to Mac Jones. I talk to Najee (Harris). I talked to Dylan Moses down here. I've talked to some guys about coming to Bama. If they want to come to Alabama they will come. At the end of the day they will have to make the best decision for their future."

Wills is ready to watch the Crimson Tide play Washington on Saturday in the Peach Bowl.

"I've heard a whole lot of stuff about Washington and their speed in the Pac-12," he said. "I've heard they have this and that. I think Alabama will come out and play their game. They will be dominant and powerful like they are week-to-week. I believe they will win it all. They should."