Why this time of year has changed so much for South Carolina’s coaches

This time of year was already busy for college football coaching staffs.

Right after the regular season ended, coaches were on the road, seeing players, setting visits and racing to get things in place before a dead period that lasts more than half the month. This year, half the recruiting class could be locked in and signed within three weeks, thanks to what amounts to a second signing day.

“It’s been a little different in December,” South Carolina coach Will Muschamp said. “It’s been a little more accelerated. You’ve seen some of this coaching stuff, business going on. (We are) really looking forward to that day, another signing day in essence, and the one in February as well. We’ve been on the road beating it up a little bit.”

Dec. 20 marks the start of the early signing period. Players will have three days to ink with colleges if they so choose, or push things back to the traditional first Wednesday of February.

Muchamp has said the team could have 12 current commits enroll early, and that’s not even taking into account those who sign but won’t enroll until the spring.

The coaches also get six extra days of open contact period to visit recruits, as compared to last year.

Muschamp’s said the new calendar reveals something about the commitments as his class starts moving toward the homestretch.

“I think we’re in a good spot,” Muschamp said. “Somebody may feel like they’ve been committed to you, and in those sorts of situations where they all of a sudden say they may sign in February, it makes you start wondering a little bit where you are with that young man. Obviously, in a lot of situations academically, some guys, maybe they didn’t do well in the fall semester. Then we have to reevaluate that situation.”

USC currently had 18 public commitments, plus defensive lineman Tyreek Johnson, a Sumter product who greyshirted from last season. The team is limited to 25 signees, and at least one spot is taken because of tailback Ty’Son Williams going on scholarship after walking on.

“There are a lot of different things you’ve got to juggle through in this early signing date,” Muschamp said, “as far as those things are concerned.”

This story was originally published December 8, 2017 at 10:44 AM with the headline "Why this time of year has changed so much for South Carolina’s coaches."