COUNTDOWN TO SIGNING DAY

Wednesday is the first day that high school seniors can sign national letters of intent, which bind them to their college of choice for the upcoming year.

The Gophers have 28 verbal commitments, including a handful from student-athletes who have enrolled early and are already attending classes. Rivals.com ranks the class No. 12 in the Big Ten.

Jerry Kill's recruiting class includes seven of the top 10 prospects from Minnesota, including the No. 1-rated player -- Hopkins wide receiver Andre McDonald -- who committed Thursday.

Watch for more coverage in print and at startribune.com throughout the week. We will have full coverage of Wednesday's signing day from local high schools as well as Kill's first comments about the incoming class.