A 72-hour early signing period for college football recruits to begin Dec. 20 was approved by the Collegiate Commissioners Association on Monday.

The Dec. 20-22 dates coincide with the first three days for junior college players to sign letters of intent to transfer to four-year colleges. That period runs from Dec. 20 to Jan. 15.

The new rules also allow players to take their official recruiting visits staring in April of their junior year. However, players in the Class of 2018 – those who will be seniors this fall – won’t be permitted to take those trips. The legislation starts with the Class of 2019.

The traditional February signing date will still take place on the first Wednesday of that month, but what’s unknown is how it will be affected.

The new rules appear to be well received in most corners.

Some of the top high school players in Arizona were contacted by azcentral sports’ reporter Richard Obert about the change.

Solomon Enis, WR, North Canyon

Phoenix North Canyon wide receiver Solomon Enis, azcentral sports’ No. 1 2018 football recruit, isn’t fazed by the the newly adopted early signing period that will take place during a 72-hour window, Dec. 20-22.

“Me personally, I’m going to take my time with it,” said Enis, who has at least 13 offers, including Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, USC and his father’s alma mater, Penn State.

The current juniors still have to wait until the start of their senior year to take official recruiting trips.

BORDOW: Early signing period would benefit high school football players

But starting with the 2019 class, football recruits can begin taking official recruiting trips in April of their junior year.

The Dec. 20-22 dates coincide with the first three days for junior college players to sign letters of intent to transfer to four-year colleges. That period runs from Dec. 20 to Jan. 15.

Dez Melton, RB/DB, Deer Valley

“That’s awesome for us,” said Glendale Deer Valley running back/receiver/defensive back Dez Melton, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound sophomore who has an Arizona offer and is ranked No. 4 by azcentral sports in the 2019 class. “Glad we can start earlier than later.”

Spencer Rattler, QB, Pinnacle

Phoenix Pinnacle quarterback Spencer Rattler, who recently picked up Alabama and Notre Dame offers and is the No. 1 recruit in the 2019 class in Arizona by azcentral sports, says he feels it is going to make it easier to commit earlier.

“Now we’re able to go out and see colleges officially early,” he said. “I think it makes the recruiting process a lot easier.”

Gilbert Higley coach Eddy Zubey likes the early signing period, because it will keep colleges more true to their offer.

“It will help the players know if a college is really into them or if they are just keeping the kid warm in case their 4-star recruit bails on them in January,” Zubey said. “It also helps the non-Power 5 conference teams. 

“After the early signing period, everyone knows who is left and they can recruit kids harder towards the February signing day.”

Draycen Hall, RB, Higley

Higley running back Draycen Hall, the Gatorade Arizona Player of the Year last season as a junior, picked up offers from Princeton and Army on Monday. He sees pros and cons to the early signing period.

“What I don’t like about it is kids could end up making the wrong decision because it’s so early after the season,” Hall said. “Kids need to focus more on their season, then after that they can take trips, commit and sign.”

Ryan Puskas, S, Liberty

Peoria Liberty safety Ryan Puskas, rated seventh in the state by azcentral sports in the 2019 class, believes it will have a positive impact on the process.

“With the early recruiting, the 2019 class will have to train and be on the top of their game,” he said.

Quarterbacks generally commit earlier than other positions because those scholarships get snatched up faster.

Tyler Shough, QB, Hamilton

Chandler Hamilton 2018 quarterback Tyler Shough, who has received offers this spring from Michigan, Alabama and Florida State, believes it will help speed up the recruiting process, getting to see schools up close.

“I would hope to make a decision before next football season but it is still beneficial,” Shough said.

Joey Ramos, OL, Deer Valley

Glendale Deer Valley offensive lineman Joey Ramos, rated No. 2 in the 2018 class in Arizona, who recently picked up Oregon, Kansas State and Washington offers, is excited about the early signing period but he hasn’t decided whether he will sign in December or wait until February.

“I love it,” he said. “It was a great decision.”

Gunner Romney, WR, Chandler

“Some coaches are a little pushy,” said Romney, who has been offered by several Division I programs, including the University of Arizona. “They like you to call them every single day which can be frustrating.”

Scottsdale Saguaro coach Jason Mohns

“I think it’s a good thing. Kids that are solid commits can get it over with. Now a commitment doesn’t mean anything as far as other schools recruiting a kid. It only makes them ramp up how hard they go after that kid.”

Chandler coach Shaun Aguano

“Kids waver because college coaches bombard them. This will be good for the coaches and the kids. They can stop all the wavering. I almost wish they had made it in August.”

Scott Bordow contributed to this article.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him at twitter.com/azc_obert.