A question about signing date here.

Q: SCMBA said:
Scott,

I’m curious what the rules are concerning National Signing Day and what the signifigance of that exact date is in the recruiting process. Can you explain the time line for when a recruit can submit his letter of intent (ie: when are the dead periods, when is the first and last day a recruit can turn in his letter, etc). I’m trying to figure out how so many schools (Texas, Michigan, etc) have 6 or 7 guys who have signed their letters of intent in January, while guys like Bryce Brown aren’t expected to announce until 2 weeks after national signing day. Thanks!

A: Signing date is significant because it is the first day a recruit can sign a letter of intent, which officially binds him to a school. The letter of intent period usually lasts about two months. After that, a player can sign a scholarship agreement, which does not bind him to the university but allows him to receive a scholarship. I’m not aware of Texas or Michigan signing players in January, but that’s what happens when you have a JC transfer or if a high school player enroll early (like Matt Barkley at USC).
There’s really no reason for a player like Bryce Brown to sign Wednesday, other to relieve stress for Miami or USC or wherever he winds up.