What to Know
- The annual event allows players to sign their national letters of intent with the college they choose to attend.
- Plantation’s American Heritage School is the most high profile spot this year as four star players will choose their colleges.
- The Miami Hurricanes entered the day rated as one of the top seven classes nationally, a number that could rise.
For several of the top high school football players in South Florida, Wednesday means the chance for them to tell the world where they will play college football during the annual National Signing Day.
The annual event allows players to sign their national letters of intent with the college they choose to attend. High schools across the area will hold events to celebrate players getting their college scholarships.
Plantation’s American Heritage School was the most high profile spot this year as four players choose their colleges. The most sought after recruit was Patrick Surtain Jr., the number five ranked recruit in the country who chose Alabama over both LSU and Miami.
The 'Canes were able to get one of the Patriots' top players as defensive tackle Nesta Silvera chose Miami - while fellow lineman Andrew Chatfield picked the Florida Gators over both Miami and FSU. The No. 9 rated player in the nation, Tyson Campbell, signed with the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Miami Hurricanes entered the day rated as one of the top seven classes nationally, a number that could rise if they can several remaining targets. Head coach Mark Richt continued his efforts to keep local talent home, with nearly three quarters of their class coming from Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Both the FSU Seminoles and Florida Gators, each with new head coaches, have been able to rebound from slow starts and will likely finish with classes in the top 15 nationally – as Florida State signed former St. Thomas Aquanis star Asante Samuel Jr. and the Gators brought in former Miami Carol City standout Randy Russell.
Local
This year’s National Signing Day will not be as hectic as in years past, as the NCAA approved an early signing period this past December, allowing many of the top players nationally to sign their letters of intent over a three day period.
