National signing day is under two weeks away, as college soccer hopefuls in North America gear up to make their choices official by signing on the dotted line.
MORE: 2014 Girls IMG Academy 150 | 2014 Boys IMG Academy 150
For fans of the college game or those that track it, signing day is an exciting time as numerous programs announce and officially reveal the addition of recruiting classes.
Here are five story lines to watch for signing day and beyond.
1. Transfers
A lot of impact players can flip the fortunes of a program by making the decision to swap college programs. The North Carolina(m) men and women have been adept at convincing players to join up after already starting their collegiate career. This year should also be intriguing as prominent programs prepare to add some key players.
Also lumped into this category is the addition of players who transfer from junior college or NAIA into Division I. In the past, names like Dom Dwyer and Deshorn Brown have made the jump from lower divisions into a Division I program, enjoyed success, and bolted for the pro ranks. It’s certain to happen again this year.
2. Going Pro
While this doesn’t necessarily change things on the women’s side – save for the case of Lindsey Horan a couple of years ago – the top boys recruits already going pro is already shifting the recruiting winds. Maryland lost a 2014 recruit when Jordan Hamilton signed with Toronto FC. The Terps are also awaiting the decision of Romain Gall, who is involved in the Lorient FC Academy in France. Six of the top 13 players in the 2014 IMG Academy 150 have already turned pro – is anyone else going to join them?
