Signing Day A Month Later: USC Will Ink Seantrel Henderson Thursday

Seantrel Henderson Is A Trojan (For Real This Time)

Seantrel Henderson, the five-star blue-chip all-everything left tackle prospect last seen pointedly not signing an LOI with USC, is a freshly minted academic qualifier (convenient, that), has apparently had his concerns about the program's administrative future assuaged and will sign with the Trojans on Thursday:

Henderson and his family said they wanted to wait until U.S.C. appeared before an N.C.A.A. infractions committee last month to get a sense of where the investigation into the Trojans’ athletic department, football program and men’s basketball program was headed although penalties are not believed to be known until next month.

By announcing today but holding off on the inking, Henderson will cross the Bryce Brown Rubicon in fine style, outlasting Brown's March 16th commitment date by a scant 48 hours. No word yet on whether Lane Kiffin will ask Henderson to sign a "no takebacks" recruitment rider, first popularized by Alabama during the reign of Mike Price.

Not So Fast, Kiffikins: Seantrel Henderson Has Not Signed

Thayer Evans at the New York Times is reporting that Seantrel Henderson, the highly recruited offensive lineman who as thought to have signed with USC, hasn’t actually done so yet.

According to Henderson’s father, Sean, he will wait until U.S.C. appears before an N.C.A.A. infractions committee from Feb. 19-21 to hear about possible sanctions for the program before deciding whether to sign the letter. Though the Trojans are not likely to hear about any possible sanctions at that time, Sean Henderson said the hearing would give the family a sense of where the process was headed.

Henderson has until April 1st to sign. Did someone put a little bug in his ear about possible sanctions? I can’t imagine such things would happen in the sqeaky-clean world of recruiting.

DawgSports: Gut Check, Georgia Fans

SBN's DawgSports reacts to Georgia's 2010 signing class, and they're not exactly thrilled:

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat things. This recruiting class was not up to the standards we have come to expect from Mark Richt's staff, at least when measured by the criteria we have available right now. Right now, Rivals ranks this class #16 in the country. And it hurts even worse because 3 of the top 10 are on our schedule next year (and every year for that matter), and 5 of the top 10 are in our conference.

They're trying mightily to look on the bright side, but I don't think it's actually as bad as it looks for Georgia -- if my alma mater had signed a kid named Lonnie Outlaw, I'd have a (completely sincere) song on my lips. Eat your heart out, Munchie Legeaux.

The 7th Floor: Welcome, Baby 'Canes!

SBN's Miami blog, The 7th Floor, reacts to their freshly minted signing class:

Every once in a while, even for black-hearted bloggers, it's all right to focus on the pure joy of these young kids full of promise, and not the creepy legions of middle-aged men who've been tracking their every move for months on the internet.

Mountain West Connection Talks With Utah's Four-Star WR Recruit Kenneth Scott

The Mountain West's Utah had itself a nice little National Signing Day, finishing with the country's 32nd best recruiting class, according to Rivals. A big reason why is Kenneth Scott, a four-star wide receiver from Ontario, Cali. 

SB Nation's Mountain West Connection was able to catch up with Scott on his big day, and talked to him about why he wanted to be a Ute, the other players in his 2010 class and what he expects his impact to be. 

Why did you choose Utah?

I chose Utah simply because of the coaching staff and how great they are and the consistency of winning in the program. Playing early played a factor in it also but overall just the tradition of being winners.

What do you think of Utah's offensive system?

Utah's offensive system is extremely great because of me being able to have the ball in my hands more rather than a couple times, as in a Pro Style offense.

How do you think you will be used within the Utah offense?

I've been told that I'll be used like a newer model of Freddie Brown and the role he had on offense.

You can read the entire interview at Mountain West Connection. 

Your Consensus Recruiting Champs, The Florida Gators

Clemson, UCLA, FSU Wrap Up Late Commits

Rounding up a few stragglers into the Signing Day fold, we have:

• Justin Parker, LB, Beaufort, SC. This Rivals four-star player out of Beaufort High had significant peer pressure from fellow blue-chip Marcus Lattimore to choose South Carolina, and while he spurned Lattimore's choice of university, he held his own in stupid hat antics:

With Clemson, LSU and South Carolina hats resting on the table and his parents at his side, Parker quickly reached for the Clemson hat, only to place it on his father's head. Then, he snagged the USC cap before giving it to his mother. But instead of grabbing the LSU hat that remained, Parker reached under the table and pulled out a black Clemson hat along with a wide grin, leading the room to erupt in cheers.

• Anthony Jefferson, DB, Los Angeles, CA.  This four-star prospect from Los Angeles Cathedral pledged his allegiance to UCLA via a boring old TV show.

• Christian Green, WR, Tampa, FL. Courted by both Georgia and Florida State, the five-star Tampa Catholic recruit picked the 'Noles, a late blow in what has already been a tough day for Bulldog recruitniks:

Green had connections to both schools, but they all led through FSU. His uncle, E.G. Green, was a star wide receiver for the Seminoles in the 1990s but his offensive coordinator in those days was Mark Richt. The Greens have maintained a relationship with the Richts ever since.

Green's manner of selecting a hat was not mentioned.

Alligator Army: On Signing Day, The Rich Get Richer

And in this case, the rich is the Florida Gators. 

As Spencer Hall noted earlier, Urban Meyer and the Gators got all 28 of the prospects they were recruiting, which is rather amazing. It is no surprise then, really, that Scout, Rivals and ESPN all rank Florida's 2010 class as the best in the country, which is no small accomplishment, considering Meyer's flirtation with retirement, something of which SB Nation's Alligator Army is well aware.

Meyer sold himself as all coaches do. But he had to sell the university, in case he has a serious health issue during that player's career at UF. The Class of 2010 could be a dud, as is the risk of all classes, but they came for The Glory of The Florida Gators, not Urban. If a kid only wanted to go to Florida because of the coach, or because they wanted a pretty weight room, Meyer did not want them. Give Meyer credit for knowing this. He had to sell the program, more so than himself. The concern of Meyer staying at UF for more than the next five years is legitimate. But, if that happens, he will leave athletes who came to Florida for the program, not the guy in charge.

Meyer is very excited (well, as excited as he gets) about UF's defensive recruits. UF's top six guys are all on defense ... Defense wins championships and with Johnny Brantley slinging it, Florida can compete for a National Championship starting in 2011.

Yes, while the rich got richer today, no class is good enough to win immediately. Billy Donovan's Oh Fours needed two seasons and Urban's Class of 06 needed three and got an assist as freshmen. But the epicness of this class puts the 2010 SEC East in play. Tennessee did a very good job today, while Georgia got screwed on some battles with FSU. Maybe this is the homer in me, but Florida has to be the division favorite in 2010. 

Seantrel Henderson Announcement: USC's The Choice

There are only a handful of 18 year-old recruits that make you think "definitely an NFL player," but Seantrel Henderson is one of them. People that big just aren’t supposed to be that nimble, and yet everyone seems to agree—Seantrel Henderson is the real deal. A lot of things can happen between now and the NFL, but it certainly seems like that’s going to be his ultimate destination.

 In between now and then? He’ll join Lane Kiffin and the USC Trojans. On CBS’ College sports network, Henderson just chose the Trojans over Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Miami, among a long list of other suitors.

And say what you want about Lane Kiffin, the coach. But man, the guy knows what he’s doing as far as recruiting. Not only did he land Henderson, but you have to think that he had some influence on Henderson’s decision to wait until the end of signing day to announce his decision, ensuring that USC would get all the headlines, and come away looking better than ever under Kiffin and his new Trojans staff.

Are they better off under a coach who’s yet to prove successful at, you know, actual coaching?

Time will tell. But with players like Seantrel Henderson, USC's certainly off to a good start.

Josh Shirley Makes It Official: UCLA Is The Surprise Choice

While Bruins fans may still be celebrating the news that they landed five-star defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa, the good news continues for the UCLA faithful. Pass-rushing linebacker Josh Shirley has also committed to join Rick Neuheisel's squad, according to the LA TImes.

Shirley was widely believed to have narrowed his choices down to USC and Miami, so his announcement that he will don the true blue and gold is a bit of a surprise.

For more on Shirley and UCLA, be sure to check out SB Nation's Bruins Nation.

Trovon Lee Chooses Auburn

While Signing Day may belong to Florida (with Texas a close second), the surprise of the day has to be the Auburn Tigers. The news, according to Al.com, that wide receiver Trovon Lee, the top-rated player in Louisiana, has joined the bevy of top-rated recruits set to play for the Tigers only solidifies what has been an already surprising day for Gene Chizik and Co.

Lee was a high school quarterback, but is projected to play wide receiver in college. ESPN ranked him as the no. 6 athlete in the 2010 class, while Scout had him as the no. 7 wide receiver.

Tunde Fariyike Commits To Auburn, Tigers Continue To Clean Up

Tunde Fariyike, a 6’3’’ 295-pound offensive lineman out of Thomaston, Georgia, committed to Auburn, according to Al.com.

Fariyike is a two-star prospect according to Rivals, and also had offers from both Duke and East Carolina.

For Auburn, it continues what has been a surprisingly strong Signing Day.

Florida Goes A Flawless 28 for 28

Meyer will hold a press conference at 4:00 p.m.. He should be in a stellar mood, which you will recognize by the one forced smile he attempt at the beginning of the press conference.

Owamagbe Odighizuwa Accepts Oscar, Chooses UCLA

Maybe giving a speech that dragged on and on like he was accepting an Oscar was a hint of what was to come, as five-star DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa concluded his signing day announcement by declaring he was headed to Los Angeles to play football for Rick Neuheisel and the UCLA Bruins. Something tells me the rightfully ecstatic fans at Bruins Nation would have gladly listened to the super prospect talk for an hour if it meant he'd be Westwood-bound.

Indeed he is, and just like that the brief sting of Ricky Heimuli's announcement for Oregon is old, long-forgotten news. RICKY WHO?!

The joy of Signing Day!

DE Bjoern Werner Commits To Florida State

Florida State continues its late push on Signing Day, getting a commitment from defensive end Bjoern Werner, according to the Orlando Sentinel. While the 6'4'', 270 LB Werner is only the 65th rated defensive end, according to Rivals, SB Nation's Tomahawk Nation is excited about the signing, and thinks Werner could make an immediate impact, in part due to his unusual background:

Bjeorn Werner (pronounced Be-orn) is a native of Berlin.  He picked up American football after an ankle injury derailed his soccer career.  He will be expected to contribute immediately as he is a grown man.

Werner is already 20 years old, after attending high school in Connecticut the past few years. More from Tomahawk Nation:

Werner is a tremendous player.  While under the old regime he would likely be a defensive tackle, he will play strongside defensive end for the 'Noles. [...] Werner is one of the best prospects I have seen this year and I think he is one of the best 20 defensive linemen in the country.  With some coaching, he can develop some technique and dominate the college level.

For more on Werner and all things Florida State, head over to SB Nation's Tomahawk Nation.

Signing Day Surprise: DT Ricky Heimuli To Oregon

In something of a surprise, four-star defensive tackle Ricky Heimuli (Salt Lake City, UT) has chosen the Oregon Ducks, spurning offers from Utah, Washington, and UCLA, the latter two of which he visited just this past weekend, leading many to speculate Oregon was behind both schools.

Oregon fans at Addicted To Quack are understandably ecstatic with the news:

[W]e're looking at one of the best classes we've ever had at Oregon. The only class that's in the same ballpark is the class of 2007. While this class will likely not have as many 4-star players, but it should be much more balanced and complete from top to bottom.

Hawaii DE Kona Schwenke Commits To Notre Dame

Notre Dame fans are scrambling to learn what there is to learn about Hawaii defensive end Kona Schwenke, who just signed a letter of intent to play for the Fighting Irish. According to UND.com, the 6-4, 227-lb defensive end from Hauula, HI was named by the Honolulu Advertiser to their first-team Hawaii all-state team for 2009. SB Nation's ND blog Rakes of Mallow says today's additions of Schwenke and Matt James make this a "very, very good signing day for the Irish."

Schwenke's highlights can be viewed here. His MaxPreps.com bio is here.

Demar Dorsey, 4-Star Safety, Chooses Michigan

After initialling committing to play at the University of Florida, star safety Demar Dorsey has signed a Letter of Intent to play at the University of Michigan, according to Sports Illustrated.

A safety out of Fort Lauderdale, Dorsey runs a 4.35 40-yard dash, and was among the best players in the state of Florida, a notorious recruiting hotbed. He chose Michigan over Florida, Southern California, and Florida State, a school that certainly could have used the help in the secondary. In any case, Dorsey will leave the sunshine state and head to Michigan. Big pickup for Rich Rodriguez. Read more on the Wolverines at SB Nation's Mazie 'n Brew.

Tomahawk Nation: Christian Green To Announce At 3:20 p.m. EST

The watch party is on over at SB Nation Florida State blog Tomahawk Nation, where at 3:20 p.m. EST four-start athlete Christian Green (Tampa, FL) will announce whether he will attend Florida State or Georgia. Most observers consider Green a Seminole lean, including SB Nation's Georgia Bulldogs blog Dawg Sports:

Tampa wide receiver Christian Green, by some estimates the top player in the state of Florida... will decide between Georgia and Florida State. Green is almost as highly rated as Da'Rick Rogers, but looks like a lock to Florida State despite his father's protestations to the contrary. I would be both surprised and exhilarated if Green ends up in Athens.

Texas Longhorns Sign All 25 Players Of No. 2 Rated Class

All 25 of Mack Brown's exceptional 2010 recruiting class--the consensus No. 2 rated class just behind Florida--have signed and delivered their letters of intent. SB Nation's Texas blog Burnt Orange Nation has a comprehensive breakdown of the entire class, which is easily Mack Brown's best defensive class ever signed, and on par with Brown's 2002 class overall (which was the top-rated class in the country).

Calvin Smith Taken Hostage, Commits To New Mexico

This did not come close to comparing with the shock of his announcment, though. Smith spurned Tennessee, Florida State, and Alabama for New Mexico, a team that went 1-11 last year under Mike Locksley, a coach investigated for striking one of his assistants Tom Cable-style in a staff meeting. Smith’s quote on why he chose New Mexico:

“I just go where my heart tells me to go,” Smith said. “I’m not listening to what people say. I go where I feel comfortable at.”

Or where the person holding you hostage at gunpoint just off camera wants you to go.

Top Safety Corey Cooper Signs With Nebraska

More good news out of Lincoln where the Lincoln Journal Star is reporting that four-star safety Corey Cooper (Maywood, IL) announced at his signing ceremony that he will attend Nebraska, leaving behind offers from Notre Dame, Arizona, and Illinois. Bo Pelini's strong closing day continues.

Follow all the Nebraska signing day news and reactions at SB Nation's Nebraska blog Corn Nation.

Auburn On Fire: Corey Lemonier Spurns FSU For Tigers

Auburn's already great class just keeps getting better and better, with four-star DE Corey Lemonier joining Gene Chizik's outstanding 2010 class on the Plains. The updates are flowing fast and furious over at SB Nation's Auburn blog Track 'Em Tigers, and thus far, it's one celebration after another. Lemonier is the 35th ranked player on this year's Rivals100.

WR Ivan McCartney Sticks With West Virginia

ESPN.com's Brian Bennett reports that four-star WR prospect Ivan McCartney has signed with West Virginia, ending rumors he was entertaining offers from Oregon and Miami. McCartney is the #37 player on this year's Rivals100.

QB Brion Carnes Commits To Nebraska

Nebraska fans got a big surprise this morning when highly touted QB prospect Brion Carnes (Brandenton, FL) switched his commitment to play football for the Cornhuskers, a big pick up for a program looking for all the offensive help it can get. Carnes told the Lincoln Journal-Star his decision to head to Nebraska and the Big 12 was based largely on the opportunity to play for a BCS Championship.

SB Nation's Nebraska blog Corn Nation is live blogging the unfolding events.

VIDEO-Ladarious Phillips Has The Best Highlight Tape Of All Time

Ladarious Phillips is by no means the biggest name headed to the SEC today. With five of the top ten recruiting classes headed to play in the Southeastern Conference, it’s tough to compete for headlines with all the superstars.

One thing Ladarious wins though? Highlights. Specifically, the greatest highlight music ever.

He’s a 280-pound running back that runs a 4.8 40-yard dash. That may not translate to success as a runner in college, but if you watch the highlight tape, it’s pretty emphatic, and not just because of the excellent funk soundtrack. One way or another, we’re going to wind up hearing from this two-star recruit somewhere down the line. Just a gut feeling.

(HT: Dr. Saturday)

UCLA Nabs LB Jordan Zumwalt From Stanford

Earlier this morning, USC stole Markeith Ambles. And now UCLA answers, stealing four-star LB Jordan Zumwalt away from Stanford, according to ESPN.com's Ted Miller. SB Nation's UCLA blog Bruins Nation is providing streaming updates on the busy morning unfolding in Westwood.

One More Big Fish: The Seantrel Henderson Sweepstakes

As signing day continues to unfold, with programs picking up key commitments all over the map, there’s one superstar left that remains unsigned. T Seantrell Henderson, according to just about everyone, is among the top two or three players in the nation, and certainly a candidate to contribute immediately, wherever he ends up.

SB Nation’s Minnesota blog, The Daily Gopher, provides an overview of Seantrell’s suitors:

Ohio State -the current favorite according to internet rumors.  ESPN Scout’s Inc also projects Henderson to the OSU.  This one makes the most sense based on what many perceive to be the factors that matter the most to Seantrel.  Ohio State is still in the Midwest, it is a quality school academically, they are in the hunt for BCS games every year, they turn out NFL talent every year and they have a stable coaching staff expected to be there throughout Henderson’s time there.  It makes sense and most would believe they are the favorites.


Notre Dame – is always listed as Henderson’s supposed top-3.  The Irish have cornered the market on Cretin-Derham Hall kids and SH is also friends with current Irish wide receiver, Michael Floyd; which may or may not affect his decision.  While nobody is predicting Notre Dame (this week), nobody would be surprised if this is where he lands.  Also worth noting, Tom Lemming is often accused of being a Notre Dame lackey who pushes kids to sign with the Irish.  This accusation may or may not be fair but it is out there and Henderson is going to announce his decision on Lemming’s signing day show. 


USC - Bill Kurelic believes USC has the slight advantage, but he’s guessing like everyone else. I was convinced throughout this process that USC was the favorite but that was before Pete Carrol left for the NFL.  Now Henderson has to establish a new relationship in a short amount of time with the Kiffin staff. What the Kiffin staff has in their favor is a rock-star staff.  Given another month to woo him, I would imagine USC would put themselves back in the driver’s seat but I’m not sure where they stand as of Feb-3, 2010.

So, yeah: it would appear the Minnesota native will stay close to home at Ohio State? Not so fast. That post ran yesterday. Today, many analysts have Henderson pegged as USC commit, with Lane Kiffin wooing him from the Buckeyes. Henderson is planning to announce his decision on CBS’ college sports network later this afternoon, and really, it’s anyone’s guess as to where he’ll end up. But whatever he decides, he’s guaranteed to have everyone’s attention, including NFL star and Ohio State alum, Malcom Jenkins.

Yesterday, Jenkins interrupted media day to make his case to Henderson:

WR Michaelee Harris Sticks With Charlie Strong, Louisville

Celebration over at SB Nation's Louisville blog Card Chronicle, as four-star WR prospect Michaelee Harris has decided to stick with Charlie Strong and Louisville, rumors he might follow Miami Northwestern teammate Torrian Wilson to UCF notwithstanding. Card Chronicle opines:

Though he stands just six-feet tall, Harris is billed as an elite route-runner with surprisingly long arms and phenomenal hands. Scout.com says he is the 31st best receiver in the country. 

Despite stating before the season that Miami, which offered him a scholarship, was his dream school, Harris committed to Charlie Strong and Louisville on Dec. 29.

With all due respect to Dominique Brown, this is my favorite player in the class and I'm thrilled he's still on board.

Ego Ferguson Is Committed And Modest

Defensive end J.R. "Ego" Ferguson--and isn't that a nickname that says "coachable"--has committed to LSU, a school continuing to pile up a quiet but impressive recruiting class today. He announced his decision live on television in front of his modestly clad crew of family and supporters: 

All of the Romans in the audience are wondering why he's wearing a shirt that says "I am," but they're probably also wondering why we're typing in the barbarous tongue of German Barbarians, too. (HT: The 7th Floor.) 

Reports: Keenan Allen Signs With California

Fans of California are breathing a lot easier this morning after highly touted DB prospect Keenan Allen reportedly signed with Jeff Tedford this morning. Both The Sporting Blog and SB Nation's California Golden Blogs are reporting that Allen signed his Letter Of Intent this morning, ending the swirling rumors that Allen was still open to other schools.

If DE Gabe King signs with Cal as many expect him to, Tedford will have signed three of the top 30 from this year's Rivals 100, an impressive haul.

PHOTOS: 4-Star OL James Stone Commits To Tennessee

First of all nothing says signing day like the following photo:

Look at that. He's got the hats. He's got his grandparents there. (That's rule number one: gotta have grandma at your side.) And then he's got some trophies, a helmet, TWO high school jerseys, and a host of relatives looking over his shoulder. And then... His brother (you'd assume), with the afro on the right hand side. That's what makes the photo, really. That's a great, big beautiful afro, and here's to hoping that we'll be seeing that on college sidelines someday soon. In any case, as for Stone, the 6'5, 300-pound lineman pledged to the Vols.

A great get for the Vols and Derek Dooley. And man, that's a damn fine bowtie. To all the other athletes out there: You can never, ever go wrong with the bowtie. Nice work, James.

Read more on Tennessee at SB Nation's Vols blog, Rocky Top Talk

Dallas LB Corey Nelson Abandons A&M For Oklahoma

Fans of Texas A&M have spent the past couple months feeling better about their recruiting class than they had in a long while, thanks in large part to the verbal commitment of LB Corey Nelson (Dallas Skyline), a Rivals four-star prospect who flies sideline to sideline. Nevermind the burning rumors that Nelson was considering a switch to Oklahoma, fans of Texas A&M refused to believe he was seriously considering it (believing in illusions is a prerequisite for Aggie fandom).

Alas, it is signing day and ESPN’s Gerry Hamilton reports that Corey Nelson has signed with…. Oklahoma. The Aggies lose. Again.

OG Jose Jose De-Commits From USF, Commits To UCF

First of all, Jose Jose is a real name, and--with all due respect to Munchie Legeaux--a clear front-runner for "Best Name of the Day." But second, look above. That would have to be the most confusing headline of all time, no?

To unpack it for you, 3-star South Florida commitment Jose Jose has changed course, and will instead play for George O'Leary at Central Florida. That according to St. Petersburg beat writer Greg Auman, who reported the following on Twitter:

Switcheroo: Miami Central lineman Jose Jose -- wearing a USF cap just an hour earlier -- has signed with Central Florida, his coach says.

So, great get for Central Florida. Just a flat out phenomenal name right there.

Technological Progress: Watch Faxes Come In Live Over The Internet

Alabama actually has a “fax cam” you can watch in order to see the letters of commitment grind slowly through the 20th century technology people still use just to piss off those of us who prefer using scanners and PDFs. Click here and go to upcoming events and breathe in the tedious magic.

One LOI that will not be coming: Keenan Allen, who continues Cal’s hot streak by dropping Alabama and heading to Berkeley.

Is BYU Commit Jake Heaps Worth All The Hype?

As the entire college football world focuses on recruiting today, one commitment raising some eyebrows around the country. That would be Jake Heaps, the nation's top quarterback, who commited to BYU earlier this year. He's already enrolled out in Provo, and both Scout and Rivals have him ranked as the nation's top passer. But is worth all the hype?

SB Nation's Mountain West Connection investigates:

Nationally Heaps is first by Scout, 63rd by Rivals, and not ranked in the ESPNU 150.  A side not on ESPNU, they have zero quarterbacks in the top 150 and this quarterback crop seems to be one of the weakest in years.

More evidence that this class is not up to par with the past eight is that zero quarterbacks have a five star rating by Rivals compared to three in '09, three in '08, four in '07, three in '06,two in '05, five in '04, one in '03, and five in '02.  Also, in that span every class had at least one quarterback in the top ten.  These stats only go back to what Rivals has in their online database. [...]

The perceived lower level of quarterback play could be the reason that Heaps was not as heavily recruited or by as many schools.  He did receive offers from Cal, Notre Dame, Washington, and Tennessee.  Those are power schools in name, but a closer look shows that Cal has been the best of the bunch over the past five years, Notre Dame has been a mess, Washington had zero wins in 2008, and Tennessee who was only average in the SEC. It could be that the 2011 class has a better set of quarterbacks, so not all of the big schools kept after Heaps.

This is not meant to be a bashing of a kid who has yet to play a single down for BYU and who knows if he will be the next Ty Detmer and win a Heisman trophy or a flop like Ben Olson was who transferred after he served a Mormon mission, and ended up being injury prone at UCLA. 

There's a lot of great stuff there, and it's an interesting question. Is Heaps the best of a bad crop of quarterbacks, or will be the next great signal caller for the Cougars? A lot of BYU fans are expecting the latter, but it's worth asking the former question, as well. Read the whole post here.

Wake Forest adds RB Joseph Byrd on Signing Day

In what SB Nation Wake Forest blog Blogger So Dear calls a "classic Jim Grobe 'out-of-nowhere' moment," the Demon Deacons have picked up a signing day surprise in the form of running back Joseph Byrd, a 5'9", 170 lb tailback from Florida who had offers from Arkansas, Kentucky, Minnesota and Purdue among others. He runs a 4.37 40 and is another in the long line of Florida products to be making their way up to Winston-Salem. The Fort Myers News-Press reports that Byrd has said that he will be enrolling of Spring of 2011.

Blogger So Dear is excited by the unexpected pick up:

After losing Nick Knott and missing on Jawan Jamison, this is very good news on Signing Day. Byrd's great speed is mixed with good vision and gives the Deacs that home run threat they are always looking for from the tailback position. He had some injuries, so enrolling later will hopefully give him time to get healthy; Wake already got great results from WR Chris Givens, who overcame a torn ACL to be one of the Deacs' best receivers in his RS Freshman season. Joseph is a three-star according to ESPN, and ranks as a 77 overall, good for the 59th best RB in the class, better than both Jamison and Knott.

Christian Jones Sticks to Plan, Signs With Florida State

Christian Jones is a legacy there, but there was some drama over whether he was going to sign with the Seminoles following the departure of Bobby Bowden. He even wore an Oklahoma hat! O-M-G!

This all turned out to be unnecessary drama, as at 10:20 a.m. EST Jones announced on ESPNU his intention to commit to Florida State, continuing FSU’s tradition of surging late after lying in the weeds in the run up to Signing Day.

West Virginia Gets The Best Nickname Of The Day: Ivan "Sticks" McCartney

Up next: Christian Jones, LB, at 10:20 a.m.

Matt James Boosts ND's Sneaky Recruiting Class

Matt James, four-star offensive lineman, has committed to Notre Dame over Cincy and Boston College. This qualifies as a jumbo-sized get for Brian Kelly, whose solid but unspectacular class had to this point lacked a serious glitzy trophy commit like James.

Munchie Legaux Jumps Off The Hawkins Express, Signs With Cincinnati

The second best name in the 2010 recruiting class (after Utah State commit Wave Ryder) and longtime Colorado verbal commit quarterback Munchie Legaux has signed with the Cincinnati Bearcats.  The Buffaloes had dreams of the an "all name" backfield with Munchie handing off to RB recruit Mister Jones, but both former CU commits have gone elsewhere.  

Hard is the life of the Buffalo fan... Check out The Ralphie Report to see what despair looks like...

The Hits Keep Coming For Tennessee. JC LB Glen Stanley Signs With USC.

How many times today am I going to have to mention Lane Kiffin and the Tennessee Volunteers? Adding to a list growing longer by the minute, junior college linebacker Glen Stanley has committed to the USC Trojans.  A 4-star according to Rivals, Stanley was another recruit expected to sign with the Vols today.

Things To Watch On Signing Day

Two things to watch on this beautiful National Signing Day

Seantrel Henderson The MN lineman is allegedly leaning USC, but who the hell knows where the highest ranking recruit still on the board is truly headed. Ohio State was the “lock” a week ago, and no one’s heard anything about Florida, which either means he’s definitely not going to Florida, or that he’s definitely going. Rephrased: watch him.

Da’Rick Rogers. The GA wideout has reneged on his pledge to UGA, and at his announcement party at 9:45 a.m. will likely announce his switch to Tennessee. It is a major coup for Tennessee and first-year coach Derek Dooley, and further fallout from the Great Kiffin’ing.

JC Copeland Switches Commitment From Tennessee To LSU

Longtime Tennessee 4-star defensive end commit J.C. Copeland has pulled the first signing day surprise and announced that he is joining “The Hat” in Baton Rogue and signing with the LSU Tigers. While Coach Dooley has done a great job of holding together the Tennessee recruiting class, even adding some great last minute signees, this one really stings for the Volunteers.

Update: Looks like the most hated staff in Knoxville was trying to get Copeland to change his mind as well...

Wide Receiver Markeith Ambles Commits to Southern California

McDonough, Georgia wide receiver Markeith Ambles has announced his commitment to the USC Trojans. The 5-star, number 3 ranked WR according to Rivals was also considering Tennessee and North Carolina.

Follow all of the Trojans reactions at Conquest Chronicles and watch the hatred for Lane Kiffin continue to swell at Rocky Top Talk.

VIDEO: Marcus Lattimore's Hat Trick

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a highly-touted football recruit must get up so some sort of foolishness with caps immediately prior to announcing his chosen college. Marcus Lattimore pulled off a rare double-juke Tuesday night, employing both former Auburn star Stephen Davis and an Auburn hat as decoys before settling on South Carolina:

(And yes, that’s “Sandstorm” playing. Of course it is.)

Signing Day Eve: Marcus Lattimore To South Carolina

National Signing Day Thread! The Dotted Line, You Will Sign It.

Ladies and gentlemen, Wednesday is National Signing day, and your two most necessary materials for study are below: 

BAM! ONE TIME! The Rivals 100, one of the two great-granddaddies of recruiting founded in 2001 to feed the pet that became the beast: the online community devoted to following college recruiting.

BAM BAM! TWO TIMES! The Scout 100, the other great-grandaddy that helped send the recruiting industry and its writers and scouts into the realm of Cash Money Thousandaire Status.

Those are your top ten lists. A foundation from which all of tomorrow's hysteria will spring. And don't mock them as obsessed high school football junkies throwing darts at the wall randomly. On the whole, recruiting services, while not exact, do make reasonably accurate general predictions about players' ability to thrive not only in college, but also in the NFL. They don't get all those subscription dollars for nothing, you know.