National Signing Day 2013 is now one week away (Feb. 6). This is a very important day for fans like me. In fact, I think that National Signing Day, or NSD for short, should be recognized as a national holiday – you know, one the same tier as Christmas, Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. Schools should be closed and work should be suspended. Everyone should gather around the television with their loved ones and watch as their favorite recruits either pick or shun their favorite college football teams.
Since I highly doubt that any of the above stands a legitimate chance of ever coming into fruition, below is a list of when you can see Miami’s top remaining targets announce their final decisions:
Sept 15 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden before a game against Bethune Cookman at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
RB Alex Collins (South Plantation, Fla.): One of the top running backs in the nation, Collins is said have a final two of Miami and Arkansas. The Sun-Sentinel is reporting that Collins will decide on Monday (1/4) at ten p.m. in Atlanta.
DT Keith Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla.): The Keith Bryant saga is drawing to an end. For what seems like an eternity, we have watched Bryant add and remove schools from his final list, giving some a sense of false hope and catapulting others to the top rung. It is only fitting that Bryant will be hosting a full-blown, nationally televised, ESPN signing day spectacle. According to ESPN, Bryant will likely pick between Miami, Florida State, South Carolina and FAU. Tune in at 1:30 p.m. if you dare.
DE Jay-Nard Bostwick (Port St. Lucie, Fla.): Bostwick has long been sought after by Miami. The 6-4, 250 pound defensive end lists offers from nearly every major college, but is said to have a final three of Alabama, Miami and Florida. Per Nate Adelson of 247SSports, Bostwick will be announcing on signing day (1/6) at 8 a.m.
LB Matthew Thomas (Miami, Fla.): If anyone has handled the recruiting process with class it has been Matthew Thomas. The five-star recruit has been silent, in regards to which schools lead, but some speculate that Miami sits at the top. Thomas formed a strong bond with newly hired Miami coach, James Coley, when he served as offensive coordinator at Florida State. Coley’s move to Coral Gables could ultimately impact Thomas’ decision in Miami’s favor. Thomas is expected to announce on national signing day (1/6) around 9 a.m.
LB/S Jermaine Grace (Miramar, Fla.): Grace announced that he would be making a final decision last week and after rescheduling his announcement at least twice, the 6-1, 195-pounder will finally be selecting his school of choice on National Signing Day. Grace has been considered a Miami lean, but after an official visit to Louisville the Cardinals may have made things interesting. Per 247Sports, Grace is scheduled to be announcing at 2:00 p.m. on ESPN.
WR Stacy Coley (Oakland Park, Fla.): Miami seems to be back in the mix for four-star WR Stacy Coley. Coley was considered to be a Florida State lean, but the addition of former Florida State OC James Coley (no relation) definitely helps Miami. Per CanesInSight, Coley will be deciding between Florida State, Miami and USF on National Signing Day. He may add a school or two to his final list. There is no scheduled time as of yet.
OL Denver Kirkland (Miami, Fla.): Kirkland has long been said to be a Miami lean, following official visits to UM, Florida State and Ole Miss. The 6-5, 333-pound offensive lineman would be a huge pick-up for the Canes’ should Kirkland elect to play his college ball in Coral Gables. Per CaneInsider, Kirkland will be making his final choice on Feb. 1, just before National Signing Day. A time has not been listed as of yet.
*Times and dates are subject to change as anything is possible in the world of recruiting.