Junior College Signing Day 2016: Top Recruit Commitments and Reaction

The period for junior college prospects to sign their letters of intents commenced Wednesday with a number of high-profile recruits making their decisions. 

Arkansas was arguably the biggest winner on the day, landing Scout.com's No. 1 JUCO wideout, Brandon Martin, according to Patrick Ochs of the Sun Herald. They also nabbed the No. 1 JUCO tight end, Jeremy Patton:

Both players are considered 4-star talents.

"I think it’s the best fit for me," Martin said of joining Arkansas, per Ochs. "I can really see myself playing there for the next two or three years. I have a good relationship with the coaches, coach (Michael) Smith especially, being from New Orleans; he grew up three blocks from my dad."

Martin also provided a scouting report of his abilities.

"I have great jumping ability, speed, have some good hands and I’m quick in and out of my breaks," he noted. "I’ve been working out every night since the last game of the season so I can better myself because the SEC, that’s another level."

The SEC had a solid day, as 4-star safety Johnathan J. Abram—the No. 2 JUCO player at the position—committed to Mississippi State:

"

I'm staying HOME! I decided to rep my state rather go away again! MSU

— Johnathan J. Abram (@AbramJohnathan5) December 14, 2016"

Barton Simmons of 247Sports thought it was an excellent addition for the Bulldogs:

Of course, the rich always get richer, and such was the case for Alabama, which secured the No. 2 JUCO offensive tackle and No. 10 overall JUCO prospect Elliot Baker Wednesday:

"

They will use this. #RollTide #signingday pic.twitter.com/eUxbjTh7eb

— Elliot (@elliot_baker) December 14, 2016"

According to Scout.com, there are just two 5-star recruits among the JUCO offerings, and one of them, defensive end Isaiah Buggs, signed with Alabama Wednesday. The other, Kendall Sheffield, is the top overall JUCO prospect and remains unsigned, so his decision will be watched closely.

But the Crimson Tide have already had a nice JUCO signing period.

Of course, the SEC didn't have all the fun, as Oklahoma secured No. 11 JUCO prospect and No. 2 JUCO wideout Marquise Brown, per head coach Bob Stoops:

No. 14 JUCO prospect (linebacker) Delshawn Phillips flipped his commitment from Arizona to Illinois. 

Texas Tech also had a nice afternoon, nabbing No. 15 JUCO prospect and No. 3 JUCO corner Octavious Morgan among five other additions, according to Don Williams of LubbockOnline.com.

Both Jeremy Crabtree of ESPN.com and RedRaiderSports.com had nothing but praise for the signing:

According to Scout.com, other 4-star JUCO recruits to either commit or sign Wednesday included No. 22 overall JUCO prospect Sal Cannella (tight end) to Auburn, No. 23 Keisean Nixon (cornerback) to South Carolina and No. 29 Corrion Ballard (safety) to Utah.

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