National signing day is the first Wednesday in February. Referred to as “NSD,” it is a day of celebration when dreams come true. Senior recruits sign and fax in this Letter of Intent to play college athletics at respective colleges. Parents, players, coaches, classmate alike have the opportunity to relish the in the hard work, team work and family sacrifice for so many years. This is how National Signing Day came about.
Until 1981, several college football conferences, conducted college football conference signing days so recruits could sign conference letters-of-intent. The College Football Association wanted to eliminate conference signing days. They wanted one day for kids to sign those LOI. Thus calling it “National Signing Day.”
1981 reportedly, was the last year for conference signing days. Recruits had to sign both conference and national letters of Intent. The conference LOI did not permit recruits to sign with one school within a conference, but not with a school outside of the conference. The National LOI only permitted recruits to sign with ONE school. In January 1981, National Signing Day was introduced by the NCAA and is traditionally held on the first Wednesday of February.
Follow these guys on Twitter for NSD updates. These Recruitnik will have a ton of information prior to and on National Signing Day
@Ry_Bass – Lead PxP broadcaster, Sports Anchor and Reporter for Bright House Sports Network, Bay News 9; Publisher, writer for Knights247
@Pughsviews – Recruiting Analyst, Bright House Sports Network. Correspondent, Big County Preps & Orlando Sentinel.
@realshaunking – College football analyst for Yahoo Sports Net, co-host and analyst on Fantasy Football Live for NBC Sports
Flip? Will any prospects flip on NSD?
Rumors about Ray-Ray McCloud III has been swirling for a few months. How strong of a hold does Clemson have on Ray-Ray? I think it’s a done deal. Even though lots has been floating around, Ray Ray will be a Clemson Tiger. Don’t see any other area prospects switch hats at the table.
Senior Under the Radar Prospects
AARON COVINGTON, ARMWOOD CB – Cover corner with speed and physicality. Experienced with big game performances.
JAMES PENSYL, LAND O’LAKES PSQB – Interest from, San Diego State, Eastern Michigan, NC State, verbal offer from Delta State.
Deyontre Jordan, Bartow – Arguably the most complete WR in Polk County last season
Wilbur Cooper, Auburndale RB – Speedster, great between the tackles and able to take angles away from defenders.
Will be Key Contributors in Year Two
SCOTT PATCHAN, IMG DE (Miami) – Could see him as a true freshman rushing the passer.
CHRISTIAN PELLAGE, NATURE COAST TECH OT (South Carolina) – Will need to hit the weight room. Will increase upper and lower body strength quickly after a full offseason in college.
JAHRVIS DAVENPORT, ROBINSON SL (Maryland) – So dangerous after the catch. Once he grasp the playbook, will be difficult to keep him off the field as a young player.
MARCUS WALKER, LAKE WALES S (Kentucky) – Wildcats stole a good one out of Florida. Ball Hawk may see the field in Dime situations as a freshman.
SAWYER DAWSON, PLANT CITY OLB (Purdue) – Could make an impact on special teams as a true freshman. Too athletic, competitive and physical to be on the bench. Will compete for a starting job at Purdue as a sophomore.
Central Florida or South Florida can build with these uncommitted seniors
Darion Staton, Lake Wales CB – A good way to increase team speed with this Polk County DB.
Jaylyn McKinney, Victory Christian – Physical, athletic outside line backer.
Aaron Johnson, Lakeland ATH – Would fit in either offensive system as a playmaking slot receiver.
Diontae Johnson, Lennard ATH – Pure definition of a playmaker. Doesn’t matter what skill position they put him at. Size and speed!
AARON COVINGTON, ARMWOOD CB – Cover corner with speed and physicality. Experienced with big game performances.