Early signing period for football close to becoming reality

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An early signing period for college football is close to becoming a reality after years of debate and discussion about giving prospects the opportunity to end their recruitment before February.

The Collegiate Commissioners Association, which administers the national letter of intent recruits sign to make their verbal commitments to a school binding, will meet next week in Asheville, North Carolina, and are expected to vote Tuesday or Wednesday on a proposal to create a new three-day signing period in December.

The dates would match-up with the signing period for midyear enrollees, who are usually transferring in from junior college.

The early signing period would start this year on Dec. 16 and be reviewed after two years.

"Seeing the rule approved is a distinct possibility," said Mid-American Conference Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher, who has led the committee assigned with coming up with a proposal.

The Southeastern Conference is the only FBS league that has publicly stated opposition to the proposal.

ACC coaches voted in favor of the proposed early signing period during their spring meetings and Pac-12 coaches also support it.

The Big 12 and Big Ten have not put forth official conference positions on early signing, but Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith told reporters at Big Ten spring meetings a "super majority" of schools in his conference was in favor.

Big 12 schools are divided, Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said.

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