What South Carolina fans need to know about the early signing period

South Carolina coach Will Muschamp and the rest of the Gamecocks staff will welcome several new players to the team later this week.

Below are a few items South Carolina fans need to know heading into a watershed week.

What is the early signing period?

This will be the first time the NCAA has permitted soon-to-be college football players to sign in December, instead of waiting until the first Wednesday in February, which has long been the only time for them to ink national letters of intent.

When is the early signing period?

The early signing period begins on Wednesday, Dec. 20, and runs until Friday, Dec. 22.

Which South Carolina commitments are signing during the early signing period?

• 4-star QB Dakereon Joyner
• 3-star RB Lavonte Valentine
• 3-star RB Deshaun Fenwick
• 3-star WR Darius Rush (ATH)
• 3-star T Maxwell Iyama
• 3-star C Hank Manos
• 3-star T Wyatt Campbell
• 3-star DE Tyreek Johnson
• 3-star DE Kingsley Enagbare
• 3-star LB Ernest Jones IV
• 3-star LB RJ Roderick
• 3-star S Israel Mukuamu (CB)
• 3-star DT Jabari Ellis
• 3-star CB Jonathan Gipson (S)
• 3-star T Jesus Gibbs (DE)

There are several Gamecocks commitments who have yet to confirm signing plans with SEC Country, so this list should not be deemed official.

Which South Carolina recruits are announcing during the early signing period?

• 5-star DE K.J. Henry
• 3-star G Jovaughn Gwyn
• 3-star DE Jarrett Jackson

Which South Carolina commitments aren’t signing during the early signing period?

• 3-star ATH Bryce Thompson (DB)
• 3-star WR Ronnie Jamison
• 3-star DT LaMarius Benson (G)

Which South Carolina commitments are enrolling early?

• 4-star QB Dakereon Joyner
• 3-star RB Lavonte Valentine
• 3-star RB Deshaun Fenwick
• 3-star WR Darius Rush
• 3-star OT Maxwell Iyama
• 3-star C Hank Manos
• 3-star OT Wyatt Campbell
• 3-star DE Tyreek Johnson
• 3-star DE Kingsley Enagbare
• 3-star LB Ernest Jones IV
• 3-star LB RJ Roderick
• 3-star S Israel Mukuamu