Recruiting has changed drastically over the past couple of years with the addition of the early signing period.
Instead of recruits waiting until February to sign with a school, the majority are now signing in December. Clemson has already signed 27 players during the early signing period and has only a couple of spots remaining for the class of 2019.
With players signing earlier that means the decision making process is starting earlier. Prospects are now allowed to take official visits during the spring of their junior years. That practice is becoming more and more common .