LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – If prospects can be verbally committed for weeks, months or even a year, why not allow them to sign their letter of intent in December?

Wednesday marked the first time ever guys could ink early before February and the football Cats hauled in a crop of 20.

Despite being overwhelmed at times…despite it being busy with bowl prep and practices…Mark Stoops is happy to have most of his 2018 class in stone by the time the calendar even turns.

Stoops was thrilled with the overall haul.  He  was thrilled to be thrown few surprises and curve balls.

The Cats got what they needed and wanted.

So what’s the message to the guys who didn’t sign yet with UK who are either committed or leaning heavily toward Lexington?

Recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow was pleased with the guys who signed.

There’s still a handful of scholarships left for potentially a few more to sign this week (the early signing period ends Friday) and in February.

Not only is the December signing period new; so is how savvy the prospects and their families are.

Hear from Stoops and Marrow in the video.