![University of Minnesota head football coach P.J. Fleck was given a one-year contract extension that will run through January, 2023. ] Shari L. Gross ï shari.gross@startribune.com University of Minnesota head football coach P.J. Fleck was given a one-year contract extension that will run through January, 2023.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/O2HQBXT5ZRCHKRTXJ3V5A5A5ZM.jpg?&w=1080)
Early signing period Q&A
Three questions and three answers about what's happening this week:
Q Why are we talking about recruiting in December?
A A new nationwide NCAA policy allows high school seniors to sign national letters of intent Wednesday through Friday of this week, in addition to the traditional February signing date. This has created issues for new coaches (only recently hired) and successful old ones (they are preparing for bowl games), but there are benefits as well, including allowing the student-athletes to commit and move on with their high school lives.
Q How many kids will sign in December?
A Only guessing, since this is all new, but it appears many players will sign early. Most or all of Minnesota's class will sign this week.
Q What happens to the old "February Madness" recruiting?
A There will still be some signings, and some news between now and then on unsigned players changing their verbal commitments, but it appears December has become the new big pop of signing day action.
Staff AND wire reports
