It was likely a matter of when, not if, that Madison-area standouts Kendall Randolph and Kyriq McDonald committed to Alabama.

In all honestly, it probably happened a few days ago, but they announced on a video produced by AL.com's Justin King (see above).

Randolph, a four-star offensive tackle at Bob Jones and McDonald, a three-star defensive back at James Clemens, are close friends but region rivals.

They became the first two of three public Alabama commits on Sunday. Texas tight end Kedrick James announced later in the day.

How it happened: Randolph, the younger brother of former Crimson Tide basketball star Levi, got his Alabama offer before his junior season. He had numerous SEC offers, but never seemed as serious about other schools as he was with Alabama.

McDonald earned his Alabama offer after a strong camp performance this summer. The on-field results at a high level in Class 7A were there, but height worked against him. McDonald grew up an Auburn fan and that seemed to be the offer he was looking for. He had other high-level offers, but none quite like Alabama and, as he told Daniel Boyette, how could he say no to Nick Saban?

What they bring: Long arms, for one.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound Randolph measures as if he's a couple of inches taller. Brother Roderick is at Alabama A&M playing tight end. But of the three, it may be Kendall who has the best future. Coach Kevin Rose says he can be an NFL player. Randolph is extremely athletic and has good footwork thanks to being a basketball player. There's a fourth brother who's much younger, around 5 or 6, so maybe he'll be the best.

James Clemens vs. Bob Jones "Madison Bowl" high school football at Madison City Stadium Friday Sept. 4, 2015 (Bob Gathany/bgathany@AL.com)

McDonald was a finalist for 7A player of the year last year and won Huntsville AL.com Defensive Player of the Year honors. He blocked two punts that a teammate recovered for a touchdown, recorded seven interceptions, 63 tackles and a blocked field goal.

But he's (listed at) 5-foot-11. He may not be that tall. You'll see a picture of him with Nick Saban and probably figure he's not that tall. His coach, Wade Waldrop, said earlier that his height at the time held him back from major offers and his long arms (wing span) make him play like he's 6-foot-1. He's physical, too, and will probably settle in as a safety or nickel in Alabama's defense.

Enjoyed myself today and ready to ball out tomorrow #256 pic.twitter.com/bMBeQElXj8 — Kyriq McDonald (@No_fly29) July 23, 2016

What it means: Randolph makes offensive line commit No. 4, joining Alex Leatherwood and junior college prospect Elliot Baker at tackle and Hunter Brannon on the interior line. Baker will be counted on to play immediately while Randolph, like most freshmen linemen, will probably redshirt his first season. He could be one of Alabama's more athletic tackles but by the time he's ready to play, he could also be powerful enough to play guard. There are more linemen in play, but Alabama likely signs one when all is said and done. Lexington, Ky., four-star Jedrick Wills could announce within two weeks.

Alabama will probably add another safety. McDonald can make plays there and on special teams. JaCoby Stevens, a five-star athlete from Murfreesboro, Tenn., is set to commit on Aug. 8 and Alabama is a finalist. Alabama offered Plaquemine, La., four-star safety Todd Harris on July 20 after a strong camp performance. There will be more possibilities emerge.

Hewitt-Trussville vs. James Clemens High School football playoff at Madison City Stadium Thursday Nov. 5, 2015. (Bob Gathany/bgathany@AL.com)

Rankings

Randolph

247Sports composite (average of all sites): 4-star OT, No. 179 national, No. 22 OT, No. 9 in Alabama

247Sports individual: 4-star OT, No. 190 national, No. 26 OT, No. 9 in Alabama

Rivals: 4-star OT, No. 211 national, No. 24 OT

Scout: 4-star OT, No. 152 national, No. 18 OT

ESPN: 4-star OT, No. 202 national, No. 27 OT, No. 10 in Alabama

McDonald

247Sports composite: 3-star CB, No. 531 national, No. 53 CB, No. 29 in Alabama

247Sports individual: 3-star CB, No. 458 national, No. 46 CB, No. 25 in Alabama

Rivals: 3-star safety, No. 41 safety

Scout: 3-star CB, No. 63 CB

ESPN: not ranked