The No. 1 recruit in the state of Alabama will sign with the Crimson Tide on Wednesday.

Linebacker Demouy Kennedy hosted LSU head coach Ed Orgeron this week, but he emphatically reaffirmed his commitment to the Crimson Tide following Saturday’s Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic played at the University of Southern Mississippi.

“I’m definitely signing with Alabama Wednesday and I’ll be reporting Jan. 5. Roll Tide,” said Kennedy, a consensus 5-star prospect.

Also signing with the Tide Wednesday and enrolling early is Muscle Shoals linebacker Jackson Bratton. Kennedy and Bratton already had a friendship before this week but strengthened that relationship during practice.

“It’s going to be great playing next to him at inside linebacker,” Bratton said of Kennedy. “We wanted to both play there in this game but he’s such a great pass rusher that they put him outside.”

Kennedy accepted his role as an outside linebacker but said he is eager to play next to Bratton on the middle for the Tide.

“I’d rather be at inside linebacker,” Kennedy said. “I’ve had a great relationship with (Bratton) for a long time. But this week we got much closer.”

McKinnley Jackson still wide open

The most dominant player in the game was George County defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson. The 6-2 ½, 310-pound interior lineman was in the Alabama backfield all day in leading Mississippi to a 17-16 overtime win.

After receiving the Mississippi MVP award, Jackson said four SEC West teams – LSU, Alabama, Auburn and Texas A&M – all have a 25 percent chance of receiving his signature.

“I can fit into any system,” Jackson said. “It doesn’t matter if the guy lined up on me is 5-foot-8 or 6-foot-4, I just like to compete. If they want me to play defensive back, I can do that.”

Jackson was not only the most popular performer among his fellow players, but he also had the largest group of fans and family from nearby Lucedale. Fifty people wore T-shirts with his photo in support of him. But that’s just the beginning. A new design has been sent off to the printer and will be ready for the next trip to San Antonio for the High School All-American Bowl in January.

Jackson will not sign until February.

104 Alabama at Mississippi All-Star football game 2019

Story right at home at new position

Kritstian Story said he had never taken a snap at running back before this week. His mother said that wasn’t true, but it was so long ago that he wouldn’t remember.

Either way, Story looked right at home in the Alabama backfield. He led Alabama with 37 rushing yards on eight carries. He also caught one pass for 11 yards and a critical first down. The quarterback for Class 1A state champion Lanett was a force early for the Alabama offense.

“I’ve played defensive back and wide receiver in addition to quarterback, but this was new,” Story said. “It felt kind of funny at first, but I got used to it.”

Story will sign with Alabama Wednesday but will stick around Lanett to play basketball and run track. He is expected to get a shot at quarterback and safety for the Tide.

Clemson duo shines

Two postgame honors for each team were announced following the game. Both winners from the Alabama team are headed off to be Clemson Tigers.

Central-Phenix City wide receiver E.J. Williams was named the Alabama MVP, while Briarwood Christian offensive lineman Trent Howard earned the Academic Achievement award.

Howard’s father, Johnny Howard, played in the inaugural Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic in 1988 before leaving Jess Lanier High School to play for Alabama.

Evans solid to Auburn

Montevallo wide receiver and longtime Auburn commit J.J. Evans wore a Georgia Bulldog towel during the game. But before Tiger fans start having George Pickens flashbacks, Evans had an explanation. His Auburn towel was dirty. He still plans to sign with the Tigers Wednesday.

Eric Shaw may be wavering

Reeltown athlete Eric Shaw is still committed to South Carolina, but he said it’s 50-50 on whether he will sign this week. Shaw wants to play tight end, which is the vision the Gamecocks have for him.

Auburn, the local favorite, has remained in touch with him but may be more interested in him as a linebacker.