For decades, college football’s signing day was always on the first Wednesday of February, but this year marks the beginning of an early signing period, which begins on Wednesday December 20 and runs through the 22nd.
Players do not have to commit this week, and some will not. However, if a player is currently committed to a team, then most schools will expect them to sign. If they don’t sign — to paraphrase Mark Dantonio earlier this year — then how committed can they be?
So what should Buckeye fans expect from the first-ever first day of the early signing period? Plenty.
What Not To Expect
Do not expect quarterback Emory Jones to sign with Ohio State. After looking around at other schools, and following Matthew Baldwin’s commitment to OSU earlier in the month, it appears that the Buckeyes and Jones have unofficially parted ways. Jones is now expected to sign with Florida and former Urban Meyer assistant Dan Mullen on Wednesday.
What To Expect
Expect just about every other verbal commitment to sign on Wednesday, though some may end up doing it throughout the week. Along with the doubts about Emory Jones, California safety Jaiden Woodbey may be signing early, but it may not be with Ohio State. He has taken visits to USC and Florida State of late, so obviously he is still looking around.
Which OSU commits should be signing on Wednesday?
Taron Vincent | 5-star DT | The nation’s top defensive tackle is also expected to enroll early.
Jaelen Gill | 5-star APB | The future at H-back for the Buckeyes.
Jeremy Ruckert | 4-star TE | The nation’s top tight end will fight for a spot next fall.
Teradja Mitchell | 4-star ILB | Summer camp showings brought doubters, but he quieted them as a senior.
Tyreke Johnson | 4-star DB | Enrolling early and could end up a corner or a safety depending on the need.
Matthew Jones | 4-star C | The nation’s top center, and is expected to enroll in January.
Kamryn Babb | 4-star WR | Recovering from an ACL injury, but should be good to go next season.
Josh Proctor | 4-star SAF | One of the more explosive athletes in this class and is a must-keep with the Jaiden Woodbey doubts.
Brian Snead | 4-star RB | Very quiet recruitment for a very talented runner.
Max Wray | 4-star OT | Wray has been committed since the Spring Game. Will enroll early.
L’Christian Smith | 4-star ATH | A talented 6-foot-6 receiver with very good hands.
Tommy Togiai | 4-star DT | Provided he recovers from spinal realignment from Larry Johnson, he looks like a good one. Enrolls in January.
Dallas Gant | 4-star LB | Toledo prospect gives Ohio State another victory in the war with Michigan. Enrolling early.
K’Vaughan Pope | 4-star LB | Runs sideline-to-sideline, but is also a stout run stopper for not being the biggest guy (6-2 210).
Master Teague | 4-star RB | One-cut runner who doesn’t waste time and stays low to the ground with terrific balance. Early enrollee.
Antwuan Jackson | 4-star DT | Junior college transfer who will arrive with sophomore eligibility. Formerly an OSU target in high school.
Sevyn Banks | 4-star CB | Tall corner who will enroll in January.
Matthew Baldwin | 3-star QB | Texas quarterback who makes the loss of a 5-star QB commit virtually painless. Enrolling early as well.
Marcus Hooker | 3-star DB | Brother of arguably the best safety in OSU football history. No, not Mike Doss.
Commitment Times
Jackson Carman | 5-star OT | Announces on Wednesday at 11:00 am at Fairfield High School.
Emory Jones | 4-star QB | Announces on Wednesday at 10:30 am.
Cameron Brown | 4-star WR | Announces on Wednesday at 1:15 pm. Currently committed to Nebraska. Teammates with OSU WR commit Kamryn Babb.
Anthony Cook | 4-star CB | Announces on Wednesday afternoon. Expected to sign with Texas.
Cade Mays | 5-star OT | Announces on Wednesday around 3:00 pm. He is not expected to end up at Ohio State.
Uncommitted Targets
Defensive ends Tyreke Smith and Jayson Oweh will be announcing their respective decisions in January at the Under Armour All-American Game, so don’t expect any news from them this week.
Maryland offensive tackle Rasheed Walker is expected to make his decision during the February signing period. He is likely to choose from Penn State and Ohio State.
Three-star Pickerington (OH) defensive end Alex Williams (6-7 250) is currently committed to West Virginia, but after receiving an Ohio State offer recently, many expect him to flip and sign with the Buckeyes, and possibly on Wednesday.
I did not know that Hooker was related to Jack Tatem!
Tatum played corner at OSU. 😉
Tony, you certainly know, but are reminded of Jack Tatum. He’s important to mention whenever overlooked in conversations about Ohio State’s best safety ever.
OSU lists Tatum as a starting CB on the 68, 69, and 70 team, not safety, fwiw.
IIRC, Tatum may be listed as a cornerback on those teams, but he was really used as a rover, He played where needed, and in Woody’s defensive scheme I believe he was called a Monster Back. That’s what I recall, anyway (I graduated in 1970).
That also is what I remember.