Here we go with another crazy start to the early signing period for college football. It’s squashed right in the middle of all the playoff and bowl preparations, meaning coaches are working double and triple-time on the already crazy hours this profession demands.
Nobody really knew how this early signing period would play out, but what we’ve seen over the first two years is that over 80% of a college program’s class is typically taken on the first day of the period. That means its a pretty bid deal and can make or break the future of a place like Ohio State.
Here’s five things to watch heading into the 2020 early signing period set to begin on Wednesday.
Can Ohio State Land QB C.J. Stroud?
The class’ No. 2 rated pro-style quarterback is all set to announce Wednesday, and many experts believe it’ll be Ohio State. The 6-2, 194 pound C.J. Stroud out of Rancho Cucamonga, California has been coveted by many, and the Buckeyes have come on hard at the end. Ryan Day and staff are looking to land a big prospect under center for the 2020 class to go along with Jack Miller who is already committed verbally.
Stroud has also visited Michigan and Georgia, but his last and most recent visit was in Columbus. It looks like he’ll be a Buckeye and spurn the other two that were pushing hard for him, but nothing’s a given until that signature appears on the bottom line.
What gives with Clark Phillips III and Cameron Martinez?
Usually when a coach that has been very instrumental in developing a relationship with a blue-chip recruit leaves the program, there are concerns about the kid flipping. There are five defensive-backs that have verbally committed to Ohio State, and Jeff Hafley had a hand in all of them deciding to become a Buckeyes. But now, Hafley is off to be the next head coach at Boston College.
We’ve heard from most that they will still be signing with OSU, but Clark Phillips III and now Cameron Martinez both seem to be in jeopardy. Phillips took an official visit to Utah, and Martinez has now delayed his signing beyond the early signing period per Josh Helmholdt of Rivals (subscription required). Ryan Day says he’s confident all five will still sign, but there are warning signs with both.
In the case of Martinez, it sounds like we’ll have to wait into 2020 to find out where he’ll eventually land.
What Surprises Will There Be?
Every year, there’s some surprises that even those in tight with recruiting circles don’t see coming. Kids that seem to be solid in their commitments end up being flipped from seemingly nowhere, or a prospect comes off the radar to sign to a class looking for a bit more.
Last year, Ohio State got in on Zach Harrison but lost out on safety Jordan Battle and four-star QB Dwan Mathis. And that was with a relatively small recruiting class in 2019. This one is bigger, and with all the coaching rumors and such, we might, in fact likely will see some unexpected fireworks.
You just hope there’s more going off in your night sky than the other programs that have convinced a kid to change his mind at the eleventh hour.
Where Will Ohio State Finish In The Team Recruiting Rankings?
Right now, Ohio State is ranked as the No. 4 recruiting class (No. 5 in avg. star rating) according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. That’s going to either go up or down depending on who rocks their name through that fax machine Wednesday.
It’s unlikely the Buckeyes overtake Clemson or Alabama for one of the top two spots, but LSU is just ahead. A swing one way or another by either team could have Ohio State in the top three. They should be far enough ahead of No. 5 Texas A&M to not be passed by the Aggies, but that might now depend on the Martinez and Phillips developments.
It looks like Ryan Day is going to make a huge splash much like his predecessor did no matter what. We’ll have it all tracked for you tomorrow so you can follow along on the website.
The rest of the Big Ten
you want to know why Ohio State has dominated the Big Ten over the last few years? Sure the coaches have developed kids, but the recruiting has been off the charts, and no other Big Ten team is really close enough to compete at the level the Buckeyes are at.
Before you tell me OSU had a down year in recruiting last year, I’ll remind you that it was never going to be a huge class and the average star rating was still top three in the country.
If Michigan and Penn State really want to make inroads into the Buckeye market share of the conference, they have to start getting on par with the recruiting going on in Columbus. As it stands right now those two teams are vying to outpace each other just inside the top fifteen, but still too far below OSU to close the gap. Still, how high will those two programs finish?
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