My Thoughts on Early Signing Period

[77GTFan]

I do think early signing has been good for us. It had to be a nightmare for coaches getting ready for a bowl game, especially for a bowl game that matters a great deal or even more, if you are in the playoff. And, all coaching staffs are trying to get their players through the end of semester in December. This gives less opportunity for flipping. The downside is it gets little attention compared to February.

I want us to go to an early signing period, July 15-31. Like basketball and baseball, if you are made an offer you can lock in by signing before your senior season. You can enjoy that season apart from recruiting pressures. If you want to see if you get better offers by waiting, wait for February. I think this would work well for us. Again, less chance to flip some guys we want, and, time to hold some scholarships for the late period and offer some late bloomers that get our eye.

For early signees in July, would you allow them to be released from their commitment after a coaching change? My answer would be yes, but only if the student and athlete mutually agreed. Then if the school held them to their signed letter after a coaching change, I would allow a transfer after one year with no penalty of sitting out.

 

[Dirty Jacket]

Tldr

 

[AlaCowboy]

I do think early signing has been good for us. It had to be a nightmare for coaches getting ready for a bowl game, especially for a bowl game that matters a great deal or even more, if you are in the playoff. And, all coaching staffs are trying to get their players through the end of semester in December. This gives less opportunity for flipping. The downside is it gets little attention compared to February.

I want us to go to an early signing period, July 15-31. Like basketball and baseball, if you are made an offer you can lock in by signing before your senior season. You can enjoy that season apart from recruiting pressures. If you want to see if you get better offers by waiting, wait for February. I think this would work well for us. Again, less chance to flip some guys we want, and, time to hold some scholarships for the late period and offer some late bloomers that get our eye.

For early signees in July, would you allow them to be released from their commitment after a coaching change? My answer would be yes, but only if the student and athlete mutually agreed. Then if the school held them to their signed letter after a coaching change, I would allow a transfer after one year with no penalty of sitting out.

I agree, but the agreement should lock the school just as it does the student-athlete.