Brookhaven’s high school auditorium was pack Wednesday morning with a great anticipation of seeing whom will their the star defensive lineman Leo Lewis will choose to sign with on Nation Signing Day.

With Ole Miss, just recently being put out of the picture in the last few days, Lewis’ recruitment came down to LSU and Mississippi State as two hats sit on the table for the signing.

Leo’s mother (Tina Henderson) and Sister (Candy Henderson) were present for Leo’s Big Day as they sat next to him at the signing table. Lewis thanked everyone for coming and announced that this was a tough decision. “I have decided to that the best place for me to play college football at for the next four years is Mississippi State.”

The senior class of Brookhaven erupted in cheers as they chanted “Maroon and White.”

“As you know, a lot of Mississippi kids, we come together,” Lewis said. “We are going to go and do something special. I want to be a part of that.

“I want to stay in state,” said Lewis. “We are going to do something special for the next three or four years. We can take the roof off. We can win national championships. We can win SEC championships.”

Lewis stated that this journey has been a taxing one on him and his family.

“Of course I’m glad it’s over,” Lewis said. “It’s been a long, frustrating, stressful and all of the above. I made up my mind this morning. I was really considering LSU at one point. I build great relationships with the players. I had to do what was best for me.”

Prior to the start of the Brookhaven’s football season, Lewis mention that he was a Alabama committed player, but later decided to transfer his commitment to Ole Miss midway through his senior football season.

“I am extremely happy that he picked Mississippi State,” said his Mother. “I thank God for giving him this opportunity and I also like thank everyone including Coach Tommy Clopton for helping him get this point. It has a long hard road for him, but I am proud of his decision.

Lewis finished his senior football season for Brookhaven with 76 tackles, one sack and two quarterback hurries. He also received an honor of being named to the Under Armour All-American team.

In Lewis’ junior year, He finished with 100 tackles, five sacks, seven quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles and an interception.

“I am extremely proud of Leo,” said his sister Candy Henderson. “I wanted him to go where ever he wanted as long as he was comfortable with his decision.”

Lewis is a consensus four-star prospect and is considered the No. 2 inside linebacker in the country by both Rivals and ESPN. Rivals ranked him as the No. 43 overall prospect while ESPN has him at No. 60.

“I want to say congratulation to Leo for this great opportunity ahead of him,” said Brookhaven football coach Tommy Clopton. “He will truly be missed here at Brookhaven, but we know he will make Ole Brook Proud as he take his talents to Starkville.”