Early National Signing Day 2023: Top Uncommitted Football Recruits to Watch
With the majority of the 2023 College Football season in the rearview mirror, many are looking ahead to what the 2024 season will bring.
The transfer portal has consumed much of the off-the-field action thus far but the focus will shift back towards the high schoolers very soon. The Early National Signing Day period is set for December 20-22, with many players setting up to formalize earlier commitments.
However, that doesn't mean that a few surprises are out of the question. Not every player has picked out their future homes and this first period could offer an opportunity for some of those decisions to be made.
Here is a list of some 247Sports Top-100 players to keep an eye on during this period.
Courtney Crutchfield Heads to Missouri
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It looked like Arkansas had four-star wide receiver Courtney Crutchfield all locked up.
The Pine Bluff native was committed to the Razorbacks until Nov. 4 and had made an official visit in June. They remain in the hunt for Crutchfield but it appears another SEC team may be able to poach him away.
He made an official visit to Missouri Dec. 15 and Collin Ginnan of On3 projected him to commit to join the strong Tigers receiving core next season.
He is rated as the No. 57 player in the country, No. 12 wide receiver and the No. 1 overall player in Arkansas, per 247 Sports, and possesses a 6'2", 175-lb frame that could become a key part of the Tigers future.
He had 42 catches for 930 yards and 13 touchdowns during his senior season at Pine Bluff High School and helped the Zebras go 10-3.
Auburn and LSU are also in contention for the wide receiver, who is set to make his decision Dec. 19.
Aaron Butler Joins Washington
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In early December, Aaron Butler appeared set to join Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes. Now, the Buffaloes seem to be out of contention and his options appear to be down to two teams.
The four-star athlete decommitted from Colorado Dec. 9 and appeared to be choosing between Arizona, Washington and Texas. The Wildcats and Huskies now look like the frontrunners, per 247Sports, and he could be a dynamic get.
He is ranked as the No. 89 player nationally, the sixth athlete and the No. 8 overall player from California. Greg Biggins of 247 said that he could potentially play corner or receiver at the collegiate level but has a "defensive mentality."
He was committed to USC before he flipped to Colorado. He possesses a 6', 170-lbs frame and competed at Calabasas High School. He had 661 all-purpose yards in his senior year with six touchdowns while also recording an interception and a fumble recovery on defense.
He's not guaranteed to make a decision this signing period, although he is expected to be graduating high school early. Given his presence at this year's Apple Cup between Washington and Washington State, it appears a commitment to the Huskies is certainly a possibility.
Bradley Shaw Commits to Clemson
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It appears that four-star linebacker Bradley Shaw will choose between two schools.
He told 247Sports that he was choosing between Arkansas and Clemson and is seems like that decision will be made during this early signing period.
He is rated as the No. 90 player nationally, the eighth linebacker and the No. 8 player from Alabama. He does appear to have warm interest from Alabama and Auburn, per 247, but it looks like he will be taking his talents out of state.
He possesses a 6'1", 216-lbs frame and played for Hoover High School. He last visited the Razorbacks in June but visited the Tigers in November. This could certainly be a factor for him as he makes his decision.
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