There were a few twists and turns through this year’s early signing period. Though nothing earth-shattering occurred, there are still a few interesting tidbits.

The status quo is back to normal at the top of the pack with Alabama. The defending national champs will likely haul in the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class after some big gets on Wednesday.

The country’s top 2019 running back, Trey Sanders, committed and signed his letter to the Crimson Tide, despite some late evening controversy as to whether he had actually faxed his letter in to the Alabama offices. Joining Sanders in the five-star column is offensive tackle Evan Neal, who made his announcement by grabbing an Alabama hat from a row featuring the likes of Florida State, Georgia and Miami. If you want a good laugh, go find the video of his announcement, and pay attention to Neal’s dad’s face. Clearly, he was not a fan of his son’s choice!

Coming in at No. 2 is Georgia, who sealed the deal with the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, defensive end Nolan Smith. Georgia was in the running for both Sanders and Neal, but Bama swooped in and did what they do best. There were a few shining moments for the Dawgs. Inside linebacker and five-star Nakobe Dean committed to the G, adding to an increasingly deep roster of linebackers from the past two classes. Also, JUCO and former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett IV announced he was returning to the Dawgs after a year away from the program. Bennett will be a big help on scout team and add even more depth in the quarterback room. In the wake of certain players leaving the Georgia program, it’s nice to see others coming back.

Speaking of quarterbacks, how about Ohio State commit Dwan Mathis signing with Georgia out of nowhere? The Michigan native sounds like he is excited to put his head down and get to work. No drama, no controversy, just a kid looking to improve and earn his chance to play. I love that.

I’m curiously watching Willie Taggart at Florida State. I’ve heard the man can recruit well, and he seems to be focusing on the much-needed areas his Noles team has based on the class so far. With a couple months left before National Signing Day, I wonder if he will seal the deal on a quarterback and help beef up that offensive line. Who knows, a certain Georgia quarterback transfer just might end up there.

There are still plenty of big names left on the board and more battles to be won for these teams. The race is not over.

I will be keeping an eye on a couple players, such as cornerback Tyrique Sevenson from Homestead, Florida, who has Georgia and Miami on top if his potential choices.

Honestly, the early signee I am most excited about is Bainbridge DE Roman Harrison. He’ll be a headache for offenses all over the SEC very, very soon.