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Alabama has joined Michigan State, NC State, West Virginia and Iowa State in offering a scholarship to eighth-grade linebacker Jesus Machado, according to 247Sports' Ryan Bartow.

Machado, a product of Hialeah, Florida (Champagnat Catholic), is one of the top players in the Class of 2020 from South Florida.

That draws a lot of attention for two reasons:

1) Machado is listed at 6-feet, 195 pounds as a rising freshman in high school.

2) Wrapping your head around the "Class of 2020" can be tough, depending on your particular vintage.

It's important to note that this phenomenon isn't new. Five-star linebacker Dylan Moses, the No. 2 overall prospect in the Class of 2017, was first offered a scholarship by LSU when he was in eighth grade. Florida State offered rising freshman Connecticut quarterback Drew Pyne a scholarship in March.

Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, then the Southern California coach, made headlines for receiving the commitment of now-West Virginia quarterback David Sills, then 13.

It is hard not to double-take at headlines involving some of college football's biggest names and prospects barely old enough to shave. So much will happen (growth, human development) before that prospect's chance to sign a letter of intent that you can't take these stories too seriously. Major programs can and will revoke scholarship offers at any time, even in the final months of recruitment.

Nick Saban and Alabama are playing with house money here, and according to the highlights the bet might be worth it.

Jesus Machado is rated by 247Sports as one of the top players from south Florida. 247Sports