JUCO commits soaring in 2011

Yesterday was signing day and it ended up being a banner year for junior college players nationwide. As many as 432 players have signed or verbally committed to 4-year, D1 or D1AA universities, which is all viewable in the Rivals.com database.

The 2011 calendar year has started out with a bang for players nationwide, as programs from around the country have looked at the model set by Auburn this past year and tried to duplicate the success of the Tigers with Cameron Newton and Nick Fairley.

Of the Rivals.com Top-50 JUCO players, only two players remained unsigned and both are expected to sign in the coming month.

The majority of players were taken on the defensive side of the ball, where 239 athletes inked deals with major universities. Corner was the dominant position, as 54 corners led the way followed by 41 defensive tackles.

On offense, tackles led the way with 47 players committing over the two signing periods thus far. Wide receivers were a distant second at 37 commitments.

Positional Breakdown:

1. Corner 54

2. Offensive Tackle 47

3. Defensive Tackle 41

4. Wide Receiver 37

5. Strong-side Defensive End 32

T-6. Safety 29

T-6. Outside Linebacker 29

T-8. Inside Linebacker 27

T-8. Weak-side Defensive End 27

T-10. Offensive Guard 19

T-10. Tight End 19

T-12. Pro-style Quarterback 16

T-12. Running Back 16

14. Center 11

15. Duel-threat Quarterback 10

16. Kicker/Punter 9

17. Athlete 7

18. Fullback 1

California has over half the teams in the country and the Golden State notched 183 commitments in the database. Mississippi had another strong showing, with 64 commitments among its 14 programs. Arizona had a great showing in 2011, with 37 commitments from its seven programs. Kansas and Texas both had 34 commitments during the two signing days. A hearty congratulation goes out to both Utah and Georgia, who had 13 and nine commits respectively, with just one program in their state.

Commitments by State:

1. California 183

2. Mississippi 64

3. Arizona 37

T-4. Kansas 34

T-4. Texas 34

6. New York 19

7. Iowa 14

8. Utah 13

9. Georgia 9

10. Illinois 6

11. Massachusetts 4

T-12. Michigan 3

T-12. North Dakota 3

T-12. Pennsylvania 3

15. New Mexico 2

T-16. Minnesota 1

T-16. Oklahoma 1