National signing day is exactly one week away. For some programs, it will be a sprint between now and next Wednesday. Others have already done most of their heavy lifting and will be focusing on babysitting their committed prospects and laying the groundwork for 2016. One thing's for sure, however: when head coaches talk about their 2015 classes next week, there will be nothing but superlatives.
No one has ever had a bad recruiting class, if you believe what is said at these signing day press conferences. Here are six quotes you are guaranteed not to hear from any Big Ten coach or anywhere in America on Feb. 4:
"This probably ranks as the third- or fourth-best class we've ever signed here."
You'll hear a lot of coaches say their class is "the best" one they've had. Which always makes me wonder what current players recruited by that coach must think.
"With this class, we got a step slower and a little bit smaller."
"Faster, higher, stronger" isn't just the Olympic motto. It's the go-to cliche for coaches on signing day.
"We got some good players, but we didn't really fill our needs."
You'll hear a lot of talk about classes that filled needs. Of course. Why would you recruit players you didn't need?
"We pay very close attention to star rankings and agree with how the experts ranked our class."
Many coaches will say they completely ignore recruiting service rankings ... unless they can use it to brag about how highly-rated their class is or collect a bonus for a high ranking.
"We missed out on a few kids we really wanted."
The signing day spin will be that teams got everybody they wanted. In this era of decommitments and flipping and prospects embracing the drama of their announcements, that's pretty much impossible.
"This class has some great athletes, but their character is questionable."
Every prospect on signing day is "a high-character kid" who fits the team culture. Except coaches don't really get to spend a lot of time with many of the prospects they sign, and they're hoping that 17-year-old doesn't turn out to be a knucklehead once he lives on his own for the first time.
OK, on to the links:
East Division
Examining all of Braxton Miller's options for 2015.
Can you pass the "Harbaugh Breakfast Challenge?"
Former Nebraska safety Drake Martinez -- Taylor's younger brother -- committed to Michigan State.
What Nick Bowers' commitment means for Penn State -- and for the rivalry with Pitt.
A Florida wide receiver committed to Rutgers.
Indiana athletic director Fred Glass stresses patience for the Hoosiers football program.
Some potential names for in the search for Maryland's new running backs coach.
West Division
Pat Fitzgerald personally asked Northwestern fans to renew their season tickets.
Minnesota running back Berkley Edwards is joining the Gophers' track team this spring. The Gophers also got a commitment from an Alabama defensive lineman named Mose, which reminds me of Schrute Farms.
Wisconsin picked up a punter as a preferred walk-on.
Illinois released its spring practice schedule.
Nebraska had a good day on the recruiting trail.
Former Purdue standout and current New England Patriots key cog Rob Ninkovich sees himself as just a regular guy.