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The big news of the week around the Southern and Big South Conferences, of course, has been the results of Signing Day 2010. All 16 schools have signed a new set of players intended to fill gaps on the squad and provide depth. Here are a couple of quick thoughts about the signing day results.

From a quantity standpoint, the number of players signed covered a fairly wide range. The lists go from 12 players at VMI and 14 at both Elon and Furman to 26 at Samford and 24 at The Citadel. The new coach in the region – Jeff Monken at Georgia Southern – added 23 players to an already young roster.

In addition, there were the usual transfers here and there and early enrollees. Stony Brook followed up its Big South title with 19 recruits, including eight already on campus. And I noticed a smattering of former Hofstra players among the signing lists.

Next Level
Recruiting is the process that keeps teams stocked and generates hope among college football programs. We’re also in the time of year when NFL teams are seeking the players to restock their lineups. That means the post-season college all-star games and the NFL Combine.

Did you catch the Senior Bowl game last week? If so, you saw Citadel wide receiver Andre Roberts. Roberts caught two passes in the game, and he drew plenty of accolades throughout the week of practice. Prior to and during the 2009 football season, the multi-purpose football player – he starred as a receiver and a returner for the Bulldogs – caught the eye of a number of scouts and media observers. According to what I read, Roberts has a real opportunity of being drafted and making an NFL roster.

Also, Roberts is one of two Southern Conference players invited to the NFL Combine. Appalachian State quarterback and two-time Walter Payton Award winner Armanti Edwards is the other.

Chattanooga Improvements
Kudos to the Chattanooga Mocs for improving their academic situation. Poor results in the Academic Progress Rate (APR) had made the Mocs football program ineligible for the postseason last season. Improved academics mean Chattanooga is postseason eligible in 2010 though the Mocs still have some scholarship and practice time restrictions.

According to the school, 36 players made a 3.0 grade point average or better in the fall with 21 making the Dean’s List. The 10 Mocs players on the 2009 Academic All-SoCon team is a school record.