Over at rivals they were discussing what they would change with National Signing Day.
http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1322666
One common thread was that they would add another, usually sometime in August before the recruits' senior season would start. What does everyone think here? Also, how likely is this change (and how soon)? It seems that someone like Cameron Burrows shouldn't have to listen to other coaches who call him every week just to take his temperature and frankly if the guy is solidly committed it would save the coaches time as well.
Love the idea. I can't forsee any problems with this so long as the coach leaving bit is included. There could also be "extenuating circumstances" opt out (i.e. close family member health detiorating etc.) that the recruit could apply for and the NCAA to review and approve if valid.
"You're pissed because we went after a committed guy? Guess what, we got 9 guys who better go do it again," said Meyer. "Do it a little harder next time."
These extenuating circumstances would be extensive, the NCAA won't require a player to go somewhere that he doesn't wish to attend and won't apply the one-year transfer loss to a kid because he still has the National Signing Day deadline. More than likely he would be off limit to other coaches unless he declares otherwise. I would support that system.
Basketball has an early period and I don't remember hearing that these extenuating circumstances are burdensome to the process at all. Obviously since it is entirely optional only people who are 100% certain (a la Tyvis Powell) would take advantage of it.