No Bad Surprises
It may not be the sexiest or most talked about item to come out of National Signing Day 2011, but it's easily the most important. For the first time since I've been following this phenomenon - admittedly, in every year but the last four that attention has been given in the most limited of capacities - every player who was supposed to sign with Louisville on NSD did, in fact, sign with Louisville.
There was some mild early concern over John Miller, but when all was said and done there was no Torrian Wilson situation this year.
Devante Parker
Jamon Brown
Jalen Harrington
Mike Romano
Terrell Floyd
Gerod Holliman
Andrew Johnson
John Wallace
Eli Rogers
Calvin Pryor
Deiontrez Mount
Aaron Epps
Ryan Mack
John Miller
U of L expected these 14 letters of intent and it received all of them.
B.J. Dubose Flips
It appeared the day was going to finish without any major surprised before highly-touted defensive end Bryant "B.J." Dubose announced that he was signing with Louisville. The Oakland Park (Fla.) star had been committed to Miami since visiting The U last weekend.
We have a great recruiting class there, I love the environment there, the coaching staff and I feel like that's where I'd be best at for my future," Dubose said.
Jon Davis Picks Illinois
After a lengthy introduction from his father, Eastern High School athlete Jon Davis announced that he was signing with Illinois. The four-star recruit had been committed to Kentucky for a year, but his decision - according to reports - ultimately came down to Louisville and the Fighting Paul Petrinos.
Courier-Journal Website Goes Haywire
Just as Davis was preparing to make his announcement, the Courier-Journal launched its freshly designed website. The result was that the website - including Jody Demling's blog - was inaccessible for several minutes.
I tweeted that the timing of the launch might not have been well thought-out, a blurb which was interestingly re-tweeted by the "C-J Sports" twitter account.
Andrew Buie Sticks With West Virginia
Running back Andrew Buie had been considered by many to be a Louisville lean before Charlie Strong and company informed him in the middle of January that there was no longer any room left in the class, a fact which led the four-star ball carrier to commit to West Virginia. Turns out Strong had some space open up, but in the end Buie elected to stick with his commitment to the Mountaineers.
"It's been a very stressful last 24 hours," Buie said. "I sat out the whole school day thinking about it. I talked with my parents for a long time late last night about it. Ultimately, West Virginia was the best fit for me. I feel the most comfortable there. That's important, because I know if I'm not comfortable, I won't perform at my highest level."
Long Shots Head Elsewhere
Louisville was considered an outside player for Kaleb Johnson, Spencer Region and Elkino Watson, who chose to sign with Rutgers, Clemson and South Florida, respectively.
DaMarcus Drama
Some stuff happened with Seneca High School quarterback DaMarcus Smith. Everyone is still confused.
Jerrell Moore Gets Offered...Again
Fern Creek athlete Jerrell Moore, who had been committed to Louisville before being told there was no longer room for him, was re-offered a scholarship to play for the Cardinals. Many people expect Moore to head wherever DaMarcus Smith ends up. He plans to announce his decision on Friday.
Highest-Ranked Class in Cardinal History