Leo Lewis shook hands, smiled, and posed for pictures Wednesday afternoon, as he made his rounds at the Miss-Lou All American Combine on King Field.

Lewis, who is ranked the No. 1 inside linebacker in the nation, is a 6-2, 225-pound rising senior at Brookhaven High. With scholarship offers from schools coast to coast, he has verbally committed to play for Alabama following his football season.

“At first the whole recruiting thing was overwhelming, but now I’m use to it,” said Lewis.

Lewis plans to take visits to UCLA and Florida State, and maybe even Ole Miss.

“Roll Tide,” Lewis responded with a grin. He seems solid on Alabama no matter where he goes this summer and fall.

Last year the Miss-Lou Combine helped Lewis stock take off. This year several other area players are hoping that platform helps their recruitment as well.

C.J. Newsome, a speedster from Columbia ran the fastest 40-time at the combine, an unofficial 4.41.

Pablo Williams, a rising senior offensive tackle from Jim Hill measured in at 6-6 and 1/2, and weighed and eye-popping 352-pounds.

Adams Christian senior Trey Fleming may have turned the most heads at the event with an impressive skill set as both a receiver and cover corner.

170-players participated in the nearly 5-hour long combine. Players were graded on their speed, cone drills, broad jump, and one-on-one reps against each other.

Carr Young, a senior quarterback from Parklane impressed onlookers with his deep throws, as did Wayne County quarterback David Hodo.

“Overall I felt this was a great combine,” said Steve Robertson of Scout.com. “Coach Tommy Clopton and his Brookhaven High staff were wonderful and were our sponsor KDMC. The KDMC staff helped tremendously to make this happen.”

“We saw some good players out here today,” added Robertson. “Some future college football players.”