The early returns of National Signing Day have put some programs in premier position. And while we still have a long way to go, not to mention plenty of announcements and develops to sort through between now and the season’s start, it’s never too early to take a look at what we’ve learned.

Here, we highlight a few top programs who made nice headway with their recruiting classes.

DAYTON(m)

On the heels of back-to-back Atlantic 10 titles the Flyers have a mammoth class of 14, and uber-talented collection of players.

Victor Duru and Jonathan Nelson are both Top 100 List players who will be joining the program. And if that doesn’t excite a Flyers fan one of the following names most certainly will: Andres Acevedo (IMG Academy), Brian Alvarez (Soccer Association of Columbia), Viktor Balis (FK Inter Bratislava in Slovakia), Jordan Beckett (PDA), Jonathan Buschur (Metro FC Rapids), John Owe (Scott Gallagher), Brandon Leonhard (FC Pride Storm), Charles Leonhard (FC Pride Storm), Stefen Picton (North Meck Soccer Academy), Badir Sherman (Albertson SC), Alec Storm (Sockers FC), Alex Winrich (United 1996 FC).

Should make for some fun trainings.

WASHINGTON(m)

Out in the Pac-10, the Huskies could use some reinforcements to help them compete with the likes of UCLA and even California. Well, they’ve arrived.

Heading the class are a couple of our 2010 Top 100 List players in Spencer Richey and Zach Portillos. Richey actually has a head start, having enrolled at Washington and been attending winter quarter classes, and once the season starts he should also prove ahead of the game. A U.S. Soccer residency player, Richey is a great athletic prospect.

Ryan Neil will be a Cal Golden Bear next season.

Portillos, of Real Colorado, is a special left-footed player with exceptional ball skills. He will bring needed change to the UW midfield.

Other Huskies-to-be include John Crenshaw (Snohomish United), Quinn Grisham (Crossfire Premier), Brent Ham (Real Colorado), Michael Harris (Snohomish United) and Taylor Peay (Real Salt Lake).

CALIFORNIA(m)

The Golden Bears set a great pace last season before falling short down the stretch. Already stacked with young talent, they further enhanced their crop of gifted players.

Alec Sundly (Irvine Strikers) is an attacker with a special “it” quality. He’s exciting with the ball at his feet and plays with an unselfishness that should serve him well with his collegiate teammates.

Sundly’s past teammate on the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup team, Torey McGaw (Mustang SC) will also be a great addition. He’s a savvy center back with great experience.

Ryan Neil, (United FC), Kevin Peach (West Valley FC) and Justin Taillole (Sereno SC) are also early signees.