Discussing changes across the college football landscape is one of those repeat talks that happens every so often. The schools still have logos, pads, helmets and uniforms, but the game's approach is drastically different. Its presentation, background, infrastructure and overall feel is nothing like its roots, and rites of passage seem to change almost annually.
One thing that doesn't seem to change, though, is the general optimism that always surrounds National Signing Day. The timing might be earlier, but there's still an excitement resonating as high school student-athletes put pen to paper and officially commit to NCAA institutions.