Though much of the class of 2019 is already committed, schools could start sending out written offers at midnight on August 1.
Brian Perroni
For the class of 2019, Aug. 1 marks a big day in their recruitments.
Though many players in the class have already made commitments - 17 of the top 20 players in Texas have already pledged somewhere, for example - schools have not been allowed to send written offers to rising seniors until today.
While in past years, that meant that the recruiting coordinator would send several FedEx packages out on the morning of Aug. 1, social media and the digital age have changed that. Now, players are sent offers via Twitter or email. Starting at midnight, schools were busy sending offers to their remaining targets.
It must be noted that not every player with a verbal offer from a school receives a written one. Spots could be full or the team could have moved on to other players at the position. So, with Early Signing Day only a few months away, it is a good indication that a player is still a top target if he does receive an offer. Also, just like verbal ones, written offers are not binding. They are pretty much symbolic at this point but they allow a player to point and show that he does indeed have a 'committable' offer from a school.
So, what do offer letters look like? Each school does things a little differently.
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Texas A&M
Texas A&M decided to go simple - there is not a long letter included that explains that the prospect is important to the school and things like that. The Aggies likely assume the player already knows so, as them receiving a written offer means they have been in frequent contact with the staff. The program went with an individualized picture of each player instead of a template.
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Missouri
In contrast, Missouri decided to go with a letter from head coach Barry Odom that explains what a full scholarship to the school entails. It is signed by the head coach as well as each of the 10 assistant coaches.
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Oregon
Oregon is known for its flashy uniforms but the team kept things relatively simple with the offer letters. Each player's individual picture is used with them in a Duck uniform. Head coach Mario Critobal's signature also is also prominently displayed.
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Penn State
Penn State also went with a player superimposed in the team uniform. The Nittany Lions kept things simple, too, with the words 'Scholarship Offer' prominently displayed as well as the signature of head coach James Franklin.
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Auburn
Auburn kept things relatively simple but it is surprising that the Tigers did not add any kind of photo other than a basic silhouette. The player's name is on the letter but everything else looks the same with each one.
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Arkansas
Arkansas technically has a letter from head coach Chad Morris. However, it is in the background and not prominent. The Razorbacks made 'Call the Hogs' very emphasized.
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LSU
LSU has a clean design with its offer letters. The back of each player's jersey is customized with the player walking out into a night game at Tiger Stadium.
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Georgia
A year after easily finishing No. 1 in the recruiting rankings, the Bulldogs could do so again. Georgia went with a letter from head coach Kirby Smart addressed to each prospect. The player's head was also put on on top of shoulder pads with the school logo.
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Alabama
The defending national champions are currently atop the recruiting rankings, a spot the team has become familiar with. Alabama used the College Football Playoff logo in emphasizing its message Crimson Tide will compete for titles.
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Texas
Texas kept things simple as well. The school used an image of each player to put them in a Longhorn uniform. Alongside that was a short note from head coach Tom Herman confirming the prospect had an offer from the school.
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South Carolina
South Carolina went the route of the letter from the head coach. Interestingly, the very first part of Will Muschamp's letter lets the player know that the scholarship offer is only good if there is room. It's an upfront and honest approach, for sure.
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Tennessee
Tennessee also decided to use a letter from its head coach. Jeremy Pruitt made sure the prospects knew that the offer was good for their entire careers. The Vols appear to have used the same image with each one, though, choosing the No. 19 for the class of 2019.
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South Florida
USF took a completely different approach than any other schools. Instead of photos, the Bulls chose to go with a drawn graphic. The font choice is also an interesting one. However, Charlie Strong has done well in recruiting to Tampa so far.
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Baylor
Baylor went with the name on the back of the jersey approach and appears to have customized the number for each player. There is also a short letter from head coach Matt Rhule about what the offer entails.
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TCU
TCU's graphics likely took a little bit longer than others. The school used three different pictures of each player in a Horned Frog uniform. There is almost no text, though, with it only including the player's name and the words, 'Official Scholarship Offer.'
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Stanford
Stanford stresses academics more than probably any other FBS school. It's not surprising, then, that the program's offer graphic is a long letter from head coach David Shaw. It makes it clear that the recipient must be admitted to the university, which is no easy task, even for athletes.
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Ole Miss
Ole Miss took some time tailoring each graphic to the different players. Not only does it have the prospect's picture superimposed on a Rebel uniform, it also has the outline of their home state. A brief letter from head coach Matt Luke is also included.
