The Collegiate Commissioners Association on Monday voted to approve a football early signing period. Rather than make them wait until the first Wednesday in February, Division I programs are now permitted to sign prospects from Dec. 20-22.
How this will impact the recruiting process has yet to be determined.
[RELATED: Pros & Cons of the early signing period]
Inside the Gators contacted five of Florida's six 2018 commits to get their take on the new rule.
From the sound of it, there doesn't seem to be a movement toward signing early and there is definitely still some confusion as to what the early signing period means in terms of how it will impact the signees.
Two are under the impression that signing in the December period automatically entitles them to enroll early (it doesn't). Another believes that even after signing, he can still take January official visits to other schools (which seems very unlikely).
What it basically boils down to is that by signing a prospect is saying he is finished with the recruiting process and is ready to make his final decision by signing with the school of his choice.
It means that he is bound to that school - making it pointless for other programs to keep in contact.
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"I think it's good for the players," said Gammage. "For me, right now, I think I am going to wait until February. The only negative to me is if the coach leaves and the new coach brings in a whole new style of doing things."
Notes: Miami, Rutgers and NC State have been by to check in on him recently.
"I like it, it's okay with me," Goss said of the December signing period. "I think it can be a good idea because the players can go ahead and secure their spot. But the bad thing is if the coaches get fired. You're supposed to still be committed to that school, but that makes it hard when you don't know who the new coach is going to be."
Will he sign in December? "I am thinking about it, but I am still leaning to signing in February."
Notes: Coaches who have been by this spring include Maryland and Michigan State. Florida's Greg Nord was by last week. He is still working as an offensive tackle rather than a tight end because of the shortage of offensive linemen at his school.
"I heard about it earlier this [Tuesday] morning and got a rundown on it from a reporter - Jody Waggoner - from around my way," said Smith. "It's a great opportunity for those that want to graduate early from high school. They can sign and get it out of the way."
Will he sign in December? "I don't know if I would do it in December or on Signing Day [in February] yet. Me and my mom haven't talked about it yet. I haven't really been anywhere else but the Florida schools. I want to take my official visits and see what else is out there. I might do some in the summer and during the season."
Notes: A Florida State coach stopped by his school on Tuesday. He wants to take a visit to Oregon and LSU. He said he hopes Ohio State and Clemson offer so he can get a feel for what they are like and what they are looking for.
"It's great to me because I was already planning on enrolling early," said Wilson. "I know I am locked in, but I still want to take some visits. I want to do some this summer. If I get it set up, I rather sign early."
Note: Though we are in the third week of spring practice in the Sunshine State, Monday was Wilson's first day of practice because up until now he has been running track.
"It's a hard decision, but I'd like to sign before Christmas if it works out," said Williams. "I'm pretty much sold on Florida, I don't need to visit there since I've been there so many times. I'm pretty solid, but I still want to take my visits during the season or in January. I want to go to Ohio State, Miami and North Carolina."
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