National Signing Day 2014: Announcement Schedule, Predictions and More

There's no overestimating the importance of national signing day. 

While some may argue that it has turned into a spectacle that puts certain high school kids into an unnecessary spotlight, when it comes down to it, this is the day where dozens of top recruits make their ultimate decision on where they'll play college football. 

Not only that, but you'll undoubtedly see other already-committed prospects across the country change their mind at the last second once it's time to put pen to paper. 

This is the day when the future of programs can be made or broken. 

Let's take a look at everything you need to know to keep track of what will be a chaotic 12 hours. 

Announcement Schedule

Players such as Matt Elam, Frank Ragnow and Andrew Mike are scheduled to announce their commitments in the next coming days, but the real action comes on national signing day—Wednesday, Feb. 5. 

Here's a look at when the top uncommitted players (rankings courtesy of 247Sports) are expected to announce, per MaxPreps.com's Stephen Spiewak:

Player	Position	247Sports Ranking	Time (ET)	TV
Derrick Nnadi	DT	99	8 a.m.
Isaiah McKenzie	WR	308	8:15 a.m.
Braden Smith	OG	63	8:50 a.m.	ESPNU
Solomon Thomas	DE	25	9 a.m.	ESPNU
Andrew Williams	DE	231	9:45 a.m.
Roderick Johnson	OT	125	10 a.m.
Ermon Lane	WR	24	10 a.m.	ESPNU
Damian Prince	OT	27	10:20 a.m.	ESPNU
Malachi Dupre	WR	17	10:30 a.m.	ESPNU
Kenny Young	ILB	175	10:30 a.m.	ESPNU
Terrence Alexander	CB	520	10:30 a.m.	ESPNU
Mattrell McGraw	S	362	10:30 a.m.	ESPNU
Travonte Valentine	DT	65	10:30 a.m.
Damien Mama	OG	38	11:15 a.m.	ESPNU
Rashaan Evans	OLB	15	11:45 a.m.	ESPNU
Adoree' Jackson	CB	7	2:10 p.m.	ESPNU
Steven Parker	S	108	2:15 p.m.
Lorenzo Carter	DE	18	3 p.m.	ESPNU
Myles Autry	ATH	342	3 p.m.	ESPNU
Budda Baker	ATH	55	4 p.m.
John "JuJu' Smith	ATH	20	5 p.m.
Wesley Green	DB	160	5 p.m.
Michiah Quick	ATH	56	6 p.m.
Poona Ford	DT	263	6 p.m.

Predictions for Top Uncommitted Prospects

Adoree' Jackson, CB

There were reports—from 247Sports' JC Shurburtt and Rivals' Mike Farell—that Tennessee could be a sleeper for Adoree' Jackson, but the top-ranked corner (Jabrill Peppers is listed as an athlete) put an end to that speculation by naming his final four:

Although Jackson is originally from Illinois and has family in the Midwest, he went to high school at Junipero Serra in Gardena, Calif. I wouldn't be surprised to see him pick up Florida's hat—or reveal a Gator shaved into his hair, or whatever—but I think he'll stay home and follow in the footsteps of other Serra grads such as Marqise Lee and Robert Woods.

Prediction: USC

Rashaan Evans, OLB

I can tell you one thing. Rashaan Evans is staying inside the state of Alabama. 

The Auburn native and No. 2 ranked player in the state was thought to have his top-three narrowed down to Auburn, Alabama and UCLA, but on Jan. 27, he cancelled his trip to Los Angeles, per AL.com's Matt Scalici. 

Evans' father told Scalici that the Bruins remain firmly in play, but it's probably safe to assume at this point that the supremely talented linebacker will be attending the Iron Bowl next season. 

Deciphering between these two schools is difficult, but while Evans has had positive things to say about both sides during this entire process, it has always felt like Auburn has been in the lead.

"The fact that (Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn) showed me (his home), it made me feel more for-sure about coach Malzahn and what he wants to do with me and also where he wants to go with this program," Evans said, via AL.com's Brandon Marcello. 

Any of the past several years, and it would probably be Alabama. But after such a transcendent, high-profile campaign for the Tigers, I think Auburn takes it. 

Prediction: Auburn

Malachi Dupre, WR

Malachi Dupre, who is rated as the No. 2 wide receiver by 247Sports, recently revealed his final five, which cover a good portion of the country:

LSU has to be seen as the favorite here. Dupre went to high school at John Curtis in Louisiana, and with Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry off to the NFL, there's a great chance for him to earn playing time right away with the Tigers. 

Alabama has stepped up its recruitment recently with an in-home visit from Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin, via ESPN's Gerry Hamilton, and Florida State is obviously in the mix after winning the national championship, but everyone is just chasing the Tigers right now, and they don't have the time to catch up. 

Prediction: LSU