The Bodda Getta

Great article Bryan, love to see this happen. Only problem is your suggestion is too logical for the NCAA!

Yes, I agree. This would never fly with the NCAA. Too logical and makes too much sense!

That is surprising that GA used less than 20 officials. Even if they grew up UGA fans and are a lock, show the kids some love. Out of curiosity, how many OVs does Auburn use on average?

We may or may not. The early signing period would allow them to sign if they so choose. They wouldn't be required to sign. However, spanky would probably manipulate them into signing, even if they were unsure/uncomfortable.

Bryan, you mentioned that 73% of FBS coaches like the idea of an early signing period, which surprises me. If a kid signs in late summer, but then gets injured during his senior season, I would think a lot of coaches would want the opportunity to reconsider signing him (depending on the nature and severity of the injury). Is this part of the reason they haven't reached some consensus on the date of an early signing period?

Other old timers like me may remember back when the SEC had an early signing period way back in the '60s. I believe it was in early Dec. It was not official but honored by other SEC schools. Back then it was very rare that any players backed out and signed with another school outside the conference. For a long time I didn't even realize it was actually an unofficial non-binding agreement and that players actually signed their official LOI in February because the newspapers reported extensively on and commented on where players signed during the early period in Dec. The official LOI signing in February was handled almost like a footnote.

At some point, other teams outside the southeast felt this practice gave an unfair advantage to SEC schools and then finally the NCAA voted to end this SEC practice.

As to the possibility of having an official early signing period during the summer I think it would work well but I doubt the "recruiting industry" would be in favor of it. Similar practices in basketball and baseball have seemed to diffuse and lower the intensity around recruiting in those sports. Also, the idea of allowing the players to de-commit if the head coach leaves might be problematic. What if their position coach or their main recruiter leaves before national signing day?

Finally, I read an article recently advocating that the NCAA should remove all restrictions regarding players transferring from one school to another after they start their college career. Common sense would seem to indicate that players, like any other college student, should be free to transfer at any time to another school as long as they are in good standing academically and is accepted by the other school. However, if that were the case some players, especially those who proved they could start at the college level, outstanding players and disgruntled players would be recruited constantly until their eligibility was used up by meddling overzealous alums and unethical coaches looking for one or two players who would significantly improve their team in the next season.