National Signing Day 2015: Date, Announcement Schedule for Top Recruits

The best aren't always saved for last when it comes to national signing day, but one could argue that as the Wednesday (Feb. 4) deadline inches near.

Top players at their respective positions are gearing up to decide between multiple powerhouse programs, but they will only be able to slip one hat on their head when the television cameras come on. And when it's a decision that will have a direct impact on the rest of their lives, you can understand why it took until the last minute.

Some players will win over their future fans with a hearty smile and a few kind words while others will have some entertainment value in store. But with a chance to make some major final headway in the 2015 class, programs and fanbases won't be taking it lightly.

Here's a look at the most notable recruits set to announce on Wednesday.

Player	Favorite Schools	Time (ET)	TV (if aired)
Chris Clark, TE	UCLA, Mich.	8:30 a.m.	ESPNU
Pat Allen, OL	UGA, OU, Tenn., ND	8:45 a.m.	-
Byron Cowart, DE	Aub., UF, WVU, Ore., Wisc.	9 a.m.	ESPNU
SoSo Jamabo, RB	UCLA, A&M, Ore., ND, Baylor	9 a.m.	ESPNU
Chris Warren	Wash., Texas, Texas Tech	9 a.m.	-
Isaiah Prince, OL	Maryland, OSU, Alabama	9:30 a.m.	-
Terry Beckner, DL	Aub., OSU, FSU, Mizz	10 a.m.	ESPNU
Ryan Davis, WR	Ala., Aub., Mich., UF	10 a.m.	-
Carlton Davis, CB	Auburn, Ohio State	10 a.m.	-
Martez Ivey, OL	Florida, Auburn	11 a.m.	ESPNU
Roquan Smith, LB	UGA, A&M, UCLA, Mich.	11 a.m.	ESPNU
Josh Wariboko, OL	UCLA, Ohio State, OU	11 a.m.	ESPNU
Dexter Williams, RB	Miami, Notre Dame	11 a.m.	-
Leo Lewis, LB	LSU, Ole Miss	11:30 a.m.	-
DaMarkus Lodge, WR	LSU, Ole Miss, Baylor, A&M	12 p.m.	ESPNU
Daylon Mack, DL	TCU, Texas A&M	12 p.m.	ESPNU
CeCe Jefferson, DE	UF, Ole Miss, Ala., Aub., LSU	2 p.m.	ESPNU
John Houston, LB	OU, Az. State, Ore., USC, MIami	2 p.m.	ESPNU
Rasheem Green, DE	Miami, Az. State, USC	2 p.m.	ESPNU
Jordan Cronkrite, RB	Utah, Wazzu, Stanford	2:15 p.m.	-
Equanimeous St. Brown, WR	USC, Utah, Notre Dame	3 p.m.	ESPNu
Iman Marshall, DB	FSU, Oregon, USC, Mich.	4 p.m.	ESPNU
Joseph Wicker, DL	Az. State, Texas Tech, UCLA	4 p.m.	ESPNU
Jaylinn Hawkins, WR	Oregon, Arizona, Utah, Cal	4 p.m.	Fox Sports West
Quarvez Boulware, OL	UF, Wake Forest, Maryland	5 p.m.	-
Quenton Meeks, CB	Stanford, Vanderbilt, Cal	5 p.m.	-

Note: Latest list courtesy of Rivals, updated as of Feb. 3

Notable Recruits to Announce

Byron Cowart, DE

Credit: 247Sports

The recruiting landscape can take some awkward turns for players making the biggest decisions of their lives, but none saw that unfold more so than stud defensive end Byron Cowart.

As the nation's third-ranked player at any position, Cowart has had every suitor imaginable throughout the process. One thing remaining constant has been his relationship with Will Muschamp, but even that has seen some major shifting, as Muschamp has gone from Florida head coach to Auburn defensive coordinator.

Those are the two schools Cowart is picking from come Wednesday, and it's not as simple as following Muschamp to the Plains when he makes his announcement on ESPNU:

The new-look Gators under Jim McElwain have targeted Cowart and buddy CeCe Jefferson as players to carry the torch of a Florida defense that hasn't regressed much in a few paltry seasons. Along with the chance to start something new and special, they would also emerge on a defense possibly with more talent than that of Auburn. 

Then again, it would be hard for Cowart or any player close with Muschamp to ignore his sell of an Auburn program much closer to the pinnacle than Florida entering the 2015 season—despite the defensive rebuild on the horizon.

For players like Cowart and Jefferson, their simple arrivals can end the need for such a rebuild. It should come down to which school they want to represent the most for the rest of their lives because their impacts at either school will be immense.

Iman Marshall, DB

Credit: 247Sports

The recruiting cycle can be a headache for those following the madness feverishly, and players like Iman Marshall can make the waiting tough for fans, as told by NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah:

Alas, there's no rushing such a big decision, and Marshall is the type of player who can keep even the best of programs waiting until 4 p.m. ET on signing day.

A consensus 5-star recruit, Marshall ranks out as the fourth-best player at any position in the nation and the top player from the state of California. The 6'1" cornerback has impeccable speed and playmaking skills but looks as polished of a cover corner as you'll find in a 17-year-old.

The USC Trojans have seemingly been in the driver's seat for Marshall for quite some time, but there lingers an outside shot at a surprise announcement. LSU, Florida State and Notre Dame are circling the wagons, but no team should concern the Trojans more than Michigan and new head man Jim Harbaugh—who could be in position for a late swoop.

When a player as elite as Marshall keeps all options open and leaves a few powerhouse programs lingering with a chance, anything could happen when the hats are on the table Wednesday.

Martez Ivey, OL

Credit: 247Sports

Like Cowart, it's between SEC powerhouses Auburn and Florida for the nation's top offensive lineman in Martez Ivey.

The 6'6", 275-pound tackle ranks as the second-best player overall in the country, and it's not hard to see why, as the Apopka, Florida, native has an immensely athletic skill set that is still developing. Although he has some pounds to add, he's easily big and athletic enough to play right away.

It also looks like he's made up his mind between Auburn and Florida, per ESPN's Derek Tyson:

"

Five-star Martez Ivey has his mind made up http://t.co/v1D1zarqjy

— ESPN SEC (@ESPN_SEC) January 28, 2015"

With the Tigers, Ivey should know what he's getting into. Gus Malzahn runs one of the fastest offenses in the nation, and both versatility and power are needed on the edge. In Florida, Ivey could still be the bell cow but for a much more balanced offensive system.

Like many players on this list, Ivey won't have too much trouble navigating his way up the depth chart and getting some early burn—if not win a starting job by fall camp. It simply comes down to which school he feels most at home with.

All recruiting ranking information courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.