The NCAA proposal to add a second signing period could have an unintended adverse affect on SEC programs.

One of the signing periods would occur in late June. Traditionally with the current format, recruits will take official visits anytime between September and late January. The prospects will then sign officially in early February.

The weather for many programs — particularly in the Northern region of the country — is ravaged by cold temperatures and harsh weather. This usually isn’t the case for programs out West, or in the South.

Yahoo Sports columnist Dan Wetzel believes the early signing period could help out these Northern programs immensely when it comes to recruiting.

The potential inclement weather issues could lead to travel problems for recruits visiting out of the area. Having official visits in the spring months (April, May, June) would in theory eliminate these possible snafus. The weather would then be much more pleasant.

Iowa State recruiting coordinator Mitch Moore echoes this sentiment:

“If you come during a cold January weekend, we may give a campus tour in an SUV, pointing things out through the window, not getting out. You come in the summer and you get a great tour in a golf cart tour of the whole place, seeing more, getting out and walking around more. Our campus is really pretty. It’s a big difference.”

For many recruits from the South and West heading up to visit Northern programs, weather (especially snow) could lead to some trepidation.

With this potential signing period development, blue-blood institutions such as Michigan and Ohio State can host prospects without the threat of a snowstorm.

Additionally, other programs (Nebraska, Penn State, Michigan State, Iowa, Minnesota) can jockey for recruits that may otherwise would stay closer to home.

This ultimately could impact the big-time programs in the SEC, as well as the up-and-comers relying on unearthing underrated prospects.

An often candid and colorful individual, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh had this to say about the entire situation:

“Global warming is good for Michigan…It’s good for recruiting.”