Michigan, Texas lead charge at 2012 National Signing Day Bonanza in Austin

Terry Richardson of Cass Tech (Detroit) had a blast at the International Bowl training site in Austin, Texas this week.

The nation's No. 73 recruit, an over-achieving 5-foot-9, 160-pound cornerback, led a quartet of University of Michigan-bound players not only in play, but banter.

"We've all had fun out here," he said. "There's been a lot of talk, a lot of exchange. But come tonight, we'll all be pulling together."

He wasn't speaking about just his three Michigan comrades – tight end Devin Funchess (6-5, 205), and linebackers James Ross (6-0, 209) and Royce Jenkins-Stone (6-2, 215).

He meant Team USA, which takes on the World team at 6 p.m. (EST) today at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex.

"We're all playing for a cause – our country," Richardson said.

MaxPreps 2012 National Signing Day page

Getting started

The Michigan contingent, along with a group of four going to the University of Texas, led Team USA in college commitments today in a signing ceremony bonanza at the Austin Marriott South.

A whopping 52 players signed on the dotted line – 45 from team USA and seven from the World Team.

Among the mass were six in the MaxPreps Top 100 recruits, led by Texas-bound defensive tackle Malcom Brown (No. 33, Brenham HS, Texas). The others heading to Texas are linebacker Timothy Cole (6-2, 220), defensive lineman Caleb Bluitt (6-3, 230) and wide receiver Daje Johnson (5-11, 190).

"Can't wait to get started," Brown said of his college career. "We have a real good class and all of us will  hopefully help out right away."

The other top 100 recruits are: Georgia-bound running back Todd Gurley (No. 36, Tarboro HS, N.C.), Iowa-bound running back Greg Garmon (No. 54, McDowell HS, Erie, Pa.), Ohio State-bound defensive tackle Sevon Pittman (No. 66, McKinley HS, Canton, Ohio), Stanford-bound linebacker Noor Davis (No. 72, Leesburg HS, Fla.) and Cal-bound offensive tackle Freddie Tagaloa (No. 94, Salesian HS, Richmond, Calif.).

Buckeye talk

Pittman was one of two Ohio State-signees – the other is wide receiver Frank Epitropoulous.

Ohio State is No. 3 currently in the college team recruiting behind Alabama and Texas and right in front of arch-rival Michigan. See the current college football recruiting rankings.

Of all the bantering all week, the friendly fire between Pittman and Richardson was the most entertaining, according to players.

"All in good fun," Pittman said. "But by next fall I imagine it will heat up a bit."

Pittman said signing Wednesday wasn't so much a sense of relief, but feeling of accomplishment.

"It felt good not just for me, but my family… my mom and dad and grandparents."

The Buckeyes' recruiting has increased greatly with the hire of Urben Meyer in November.

"He's a great guy, great guy," Pittman said. "He you can sit and talk real serious or sit down and clown around and make jokes. He knows when to get serious."

Oil and water

One of the signing groups was particularly interesting. Three incoming Stanford players – linebacker Noor Davis, defensive back Alex Carter and defensive lineman Ikenna Nwafor – with two rival Cal Bears – lineman Freddie Tagaloa and linebacker Hardy Nickerson Jr..

Earlier in the week, Tagaloa and Nickerson said the words – much like Ohio State and Michigan – were sharp.

"Oh yes, there's a lot of banter," Nickerson said. "I let them all know that Bears naturally climb trees."

Finally

Tonight's game at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex will not only be televised live in high definition on CBS Sports Network, but will also be broadcast on the American Forces Network for U.S. service men and women deployed overseas and on U.S. Navy Ships. ... The U.S. has won the first two International Bowls, 17-0 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. in 2010 and 21-14 in Austin in February. ... To access the CBS Sports Network Channel Finder, click here, and International Bowl rosters, game and ticket information is here.