Five early signing period storylines to track
The first ever early signing period is upon us and, just like any signing day, there will be surprises, twists and turns. Here are five storylines to follow that could produce big surprises later this week.
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WHAT WILL EMORY JONES DO?
The biggest question heading into the early signing period revolve around Rivals100 Ohio State quarterback commit Emory Jones. Jones has been committed to Ohio State for nearly a year and a half but he has taken multiple visits to Alabama and is seriously considering Florida, Florida State and a few other schools. The Buckeyes have already taken a second quarterback commitment from Matthew Baldwin, so whatever Jones decides to do will have ripple effect throughout the country. Any decision Jones makes at this point qualifies as a surprise.
FIELDS PLAYING THE FIELD?
Jones' decision will have a direct impact on what five-star quarterback Justin Fields decides to do. A Georgia commit, Fields is going to sign on Wednesday, but the uncertainty has a lot to do with the fact that Jake Fromm, a freshman, is further entrenching himself as the long-term starter for the Dawgs and there is an immediate opportunity for playing time at Florida. Dan Mullen's first move as head coach of the Gators was to meet with Fields.
JAMAREE SALYER WAITING UNTIL FEBRUARY?
Georgia and Clemson are the clear favorites for five-star Jamaree Salyer but Florida is pushing into the race. Salyer took an official visit to Gainesville two weeks ago and was in Athens for an official visit this past weekend. He says he will announce a commitment Wednesday at the beginning of the early signing period, but things can change quickly. Coaches at Clemson, Georgia, and Florida will be biting their fingernails waiting to hear what Salyer will decide.
JAIDEN WOODBEY JETTING AROUND THE COUNTRY
Another Ohio State commit who could surprise many this week is five-star Jaiden Woodbey. He committed to Ohio State in February, but has made it known that he would be looking around. Now he is cramming a few visits in before the early signing period. USC had Woodbey on campus at the end of last week and he arrived in Tallahassee on Saturday. Things are moving fast for Woodbey, and everything could take a turn during this week's early signing period.
BUCKEYES MOVING UP FOR RIVALS100 TYREKE SMITH?
Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and USC all got official visits from Rivals100 defensive lineman Tyreke Smith. The belief is that Smith will wait until February to sign, but having run out of official visits and with rumors of Ohio State securing the lead in his recruitment floating around, that may not be the case. It would surprise many if Smith were to pull the trigger and sign this week.