This year's National Signing Day was much calmer than it has been in years past due to the newly installed early signing period. From Dec. 20 through 22, players got the opportunity to sign to their schools and get a head start on practice and academics. The new period forced everyone to adjust.
Despite trying to balance the new signing period and the bowl practice schedule, head coach Will Muschamp managed to come to terms with the new system.
“It was fine with me, I don't have any issues with it,” Muschamp said.
Muschamp acknowledged that he did not anticipate the 20 student-athletes signing in December. There were also 13 players that signed mid-year, which made it interesting. With the openness of the early signing period, South Carolina’s program is now able to see what they really have to work with going into the spring pre-season, and Muschamp recognizes the benefits of signing early.
“I am not opposed to the early signing period,” Muschamp said. “It helped us get ahead on 19’s and 20’s in January. You are able to see more of those guys, you're further ahead on those classes than we have ever been before at this time.”
This process has given the class of 2018 a secure platform to bring their potential opportunities to the table. Muschamp mentioned that they are only missing nine scholarship players for spring practices, which is a huge plus. Even though there have only been three days of practice, the signees have already used it to their full advantage.
The key focus currently for the Gamecocks is the development of each player as they are in the preparation and growing stage. Muschamp is beyond pleased with the 13 early signees progress that they have made since they have stepped foot on campus.
Quarterback Dakereon Joyner has stood out not only on the field, but in the "effort and mental toughness" that he has given to South Carolina over the past week.
With this early signing period, the mental preparation has been no different for each player. They have still been faced with the same struggles, workouts and new experiences.
“This is a very difficult process for these guys right now doing their early morning runs and some things that they have never done before,” Muschamp said.
Muschamp emphasizes that each player still has huge growth to make, but only with time and dedication will those things flourish.
“You gotta continue to evolve,” Muschamp said. “You gotta to add big people, strong people to your roster to be able to control the line of scrimmage, to have the ability to run the ball when you need to stop the run.”
The new two players that joined the Gamecock program on Wednesday have been given limitless opportunities to prove themselves from the start. With that mindset, Muschamp believes fully that these two signees will be able to help the program next year compete at a whole new level.
"There is very positive buzz about our program right now, but we've got to continue to press it forward and that's the bottom line," Muschamp said. "I like the mentality of just the three days that I have been with our football team. The last three mornings have been very good. I have seen a lot of buy-in and commitment. I have been pleased with what we have done so far."