Despite the challenges of no official visits since COVID hit, and not being able to hit the road like they normally would, the December national signing day went without a hitch for college football programs.
A month ago, the recruiting dead period that has been in effect for much of the year for all of Division I sports was extended through April 15th due to the recent upward trend of cases.
Typically, official on-campus visits provided moments where a kid could commit in front of their parents in the head coaches office, thus creating a really unique memory to celebrate. But thanks to COVID, those type of in-the-flesh moments have not been possible.
Not being able to take their traditional approach to recruiting has meant spending exponentially more time on phones and on Zoom calls trying and connect with recruits, and ultimately convince them that their school is the right fit for their future.
So what has recruiting looked like the past nine months or so, and what will it continue to look like through April 15th?
Texas A&M just locked up a commitment from 2021 Katy Taylor HS (TX) offensive lineman Bryce Foster, who provided a magical 2020 moment by committing via Zoom while Jimbo Fisher was lounging on his couch, with a number of other staff members on the call as well.
"When might you think so?" Jimbo asks as the video starts up?
"I'd say yea. I'm committing right now," Foster replies.
"You're what now? Fisher asks, before Foster reaffirms that he's commiting to the Aggies right now.
"You are? Yes! That's what I wanted to hear. That's what I wanted to hear!" Jimbo adds as the rest of the people on the call celebrate.
Foster, a 6'4 330 pound offensive tackle is a 4-star prospect and one of the top offensive line recruits in the country.
See the Zoom recruiting moment below.