I really think there NEEDS to be an early signing period in football. It would be much easier on alot of recruits and also on the coaches and programs. I really think it would save programs alot of money in the end. They would get some needs locked up early on and they would know exactly who and what positions they needed to recruit so wouldn't have to spend so much time and money on wooing recruits the entire period until February.
That would benefit schools in talent rich regions and hurt NU.
I really don't think it would. I can see why someone might think that but I really don't believe it would make much difference at all.
Example: Top end talent in California all end up signed and locked in at USC. Some realize their chances at playing time/starting are slim, and are now unable to have the opportunity to explore options elsewhere, potentially Nebraska. With the lack of talent in our area, particularly Nebraska itself, we often need the extra time before signing day to convince prospects to continue looking at our school.