An early signing period recap

One of the novelties the NCAA introduced in 2017 concerning the recruitment process is a three-day period in December in which recruits can sign their letters of intent with colleges, without waiting for the National Signing Day, in February.

This year, this period took place from December 20th to 22nd and, with hindsight, it was a success because the most part of players who already committed signed their letters and many other prospects took the occasion to declare their choice.

Texas Tech followed the national trend, with 12 recruits who signed and only five who elected to wait until February to make their final choice. The class was bigger, but in December two players, running back Garland LaFrance and athlete Jabari James, decommitted, leading to the actual number.

Players who signed their letters of intent are:

• wide receiver Erik Ezukanma;
• wide receiver KeSean Carter;
• quarterback Alan Bowman;
• offensive guard Demarcus Marshall;
• wide receiver Myller Royals;
• wide receiver Corey Fulcher;
• offensive guard Hakeem White;
• wide receiver Sterling Galban;
• offensive tackle Weston Wright;
• defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings;
• offensive guard Clayton Franks;
• offensive tackle Troy Bradshaw.

Players who remain committed but decided to wait until the National Signing Day are:

• wide receiver Gabriel Douglas;
• running back Devin Brumfield;
• outside linebacker Xavier Benson;
• safety Mekhi Garner;
• strong-side defensive end John Scott.

The work made with early signees is important, but Texas Tech didn’t ink any new player, and this fact made the Red Raiders slip from the top 50 schools in the nation. At the moment Texas Tech is ranked 60th according to 247.com, while it was 48th until the half of December and eight in the Big 12 after Iowa State’s overtaking.