National Signing Day Wrap-Up: Independents

Jan. 3, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; West cornerback (2) Tee Shepard against the East during the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl high school football game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Independent recruiting is a much different game than most of the Bowl Subdivision. The two military academies have some of the most demanding requirements for entry for all students, athletes included. Thus, West Point’s Rich Ellerson and Navy’s Ken Niumatalolo have faced with the arduous task of fielding winning football teams comprised of some of the nation’s brightest students.

BYU has its own recruiting restrictions, stemming from the university’s religious affiliation. The Honor Code holds all BYU students to a high set of personal conduct standards, meaning Bronco Mendenhall must recruit athletes capable of adhering to those rules.

Notre Dame is known for high academic standards and its rich, Catholic heritage. UND is also a program with a longstanding history of football excellence, thus must compete with the upper echelon of the Bowl Championship Series programs in order to placate a rabid fanbase. Brian Kelly’s efforts to secure a top tier recruiting class were met with some consternation, mainly for losing wide receiver Deontay Greenberry to Houston. The Irish are ranked No. 22 nationally for the haul Kelly did ink, though.

Army

• 36 Signees
• National Rank: N/A
• Highlight Players: ATH Elijah St. Hilaire; RB Jevon Elmore; OL Trevin Huff

BYU

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  Jan. 3, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; West cornerback (2) Tee Shepard against the East during the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl high school football game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE