Early Signing Period: Prospects most likely to stir up drama

As college programs and recruits alike ready themselves for the first early signing period, expectations widely vary when it comes to what decisions will be made by each side. The most likely scenario is many top programs with long lists of players that have been committed since the offseason will see many of those recruits sign and wrap up their respective recruitments, but there are also several individuals that could tip the scales for some programs with the decisions they make this week.

MORE EARLY SIGNING PERIOD: Farrell's Predictions | Who gains from it?

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Cook has indicated that he plans to commit and sign early, deciding between a final three of LSU, Ohio State and Texas. He’s also rescheduled his planned commitment several times after struggling to determine which of the three is his true leader. The possibility of Cook choosing to push things back yet again is still floating out there, as he’s maintained that there is little separating all the programs vying for his commitment. Many expect Texas to lead for the in-state candidate with several of his high school teammates committed and signing this week as well, but his relationship with defensive assistants at LSU has been a powerful influence in his indecision. His long-standing ties with several players and coaches within the Buckeyes' program should also be considered. Ohio State may have had enough time to make up ground with him after he last delayed his commitment.

Marshall has had an entertaining run of shuffling teams in-and-out of his top five since the summer, but looks prepared to put things to bed this week. Texas has been an interesting team to break in late, as the Longhorns already have a number of receivers committed and still seem in the race for several other high-profile recruits at the position. Meanwhile, high school teammate and quarterback Justin Rogers has been a long-time commit to TCU, and Frogs fans are hoping that connection weighs heaviest in his considerations. Otherwise, the past relationship with Jimbo Fisher and Florida State make for an interesting triangle with Texas A&M now in the picture as well, but perhaps all the recent changes involving the three might be a bit much to sort through just before signing a letter of intent. Add into the equation that he is choosing not to sign right away on Wednesday, and that adds even more suspense to his decision.

Henry is expected to choose among the quintet of Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia Tech, no doubt leaving the coaches at each all the more eager to see what he’ll do, as many players looking to sign this week don’t appear to be choosing from so many options. Alabama and Georgia will be particularly interested in the early signing period as they are seemingly involved in several of the decisions to be made this week, but both still have room to spare in their classes. Henry hasn’t even had the same sort of time that many other recruits in a similar position have had recently, as he was a participant in last week’s Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, so he hasn’t been expected to have his mind made up until the upcoming deadline.

While Sewell hasn’t gone to the lengths that some recruits do this time of year to hide his feelings or opinions on teams during his recruitment, that doesn’t mean that there is a discernible clear-cut favorite, either. Alabama has made a recent push with him, but regional teams USC and Utah are still in the picture, as is Oregon. Perhaps the Ducks’ chances can be discounted because of recent coaching changes, but even then, three other top programs could be considered favorites - one of which being the top team in his home state. Since he hasn’t given much away in the times he’s commented on his recruitment, things could still very much be a toss-up, but he has chosen to commit and sign this week.

Opinion on where certain teams fall with him differs depending on the source, although Florida has had the most recent crack to win him over following his official visit last weekend. He’s also taken officials to Alabama and Kentucky, the other main players in his decision. A commitment to the Crimson Tide could make him part of what could potentially be a major haul for Nick Saban this week, but if Kentucky can somehow steal his commitment from its SEC counterparts, that would be a major get for the Wildcats and give them some welcome momentum heading into the weeks ahead of National Signing Day in February.