Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Alabama is in the running for one of the best linebacker recruits in the country.

Hailing from Starkville, Miss., 4-star linebacker Willie Gay told SEC Country’s Chris Kirsch on Wednesday that his interest level in the Crimson Tide is “high,” despite being just miles down the road from Mississippi State.

Gay (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) has offers from eight SEC programs in total, and despite his 247Sports profile projecting a future commitment to either Mississippi State or Ole Miss, Alabama will be in contention all the way through his recruitment.

“To see a school that shows love like Alabama does, you just really have to appreciate that,” Gay said. “My interest level in Alabama is high because to see a school that wants you so much, it really puts in your mind like ‘man, I see how much this school really wants me.

“It’s something to keep in mind and will really come in handy come signing day when you think about all of the schools that have had showed you love. I really appreciate that.”

Gay currently ranks as the No. 18 overall outside linebacker in his class.