Top 10 images from National Signing Day 2012

By Stephen Spiewak Feb 2, 2012, 12:18am

MaxPreps captures the spirit of National Signing Day, as top recruits formally commit to some of the country's top programs.

Although National Signing Day is a big event for the media, it is a much bigger event for the athletes and their families, for whom signing the National Letter of Intent is a major life decision.

MaxPreps takes a look at the Top 10 images from National Signing Day, captured by photographers around the country.

10. The moment of anticipation
This was a tense moment before Joel Caleb picked up the Virginia Tech hat and eventually signed with the Hokies over Ohio State and West Virginia.
This was a tense moment before Joel Caleb picked up the Virginia Tech hat and eventually signed with the Hokies over Ohio State and West Virginia.
Photo by Freddie Clark/Chillsports.net
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9. Shaq attack
Shaq Thompson is all smiles as a proud Washington Husky. He announced his commitment to the Huskies on Monday night via Twitter.
Shaq Thompson is all smiles as a proud Washington Husky. He announced his commitment to the Huskies on Monday night via Twitter.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
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8. Great day to be a Buckeye
Of all the big fish Urban Meyer landed after taking over at Ohio State, Noah Spence, the nation's No. 3 recruit, was the biggest. Spence (right) signs at a ceremony held at Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa.)
Of all the big fish Urban Meyer landed after taking over at Ohio State, Noah Spence, the nation's No. 3 recruit, was the biggest. Spence (right) signs at a ceremony held at Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa.)
Courtesy photo
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7.The "U" is back
It was a banner day for Miami. Al Golden and staff landed an extremely impressive defensive class, featuring defensive back Deon Bush, seen here throwing up the "U."
It was a banner day for Miami. Al Golden and staff landed an extremely impressive defensive class, featuring defensive back Deon Bush, seen here throwing up the "U."
Photo by Juan Gomez
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6. Round of applause
Sterling Shepard and his family share a special moment at Heritage Hall High School (Oklahoma City). His mother and other relatives applaud as he gives Oklahoma his John Hancock.
Sterling Shepard and his family share a special moment at Heritage Hall High School (Oklahoma City). His mother and other relatives applaud as he gives Oklahoma his John Hancock.
Courtesy of crpics.com
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5. Big Ten, ACC-bound
DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) teammates Michael Moore and Brent Wilkerson share a moment after signing their respective National Letters of Intent. Moore is heading to Virginia, while Wilkerson will play for Penn State.
DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) teammates Michael Moore and Brent Wilkerson share a moment after signing their respective National Letters of Intent. Moore is heading to Virginia, while Wilkerson will play for Penn State.
Photo courtesy of Barbara Coyle
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4. Barry becomes a Cardinal
It was a proud day for the Sanders family, as Barry J. Sanders made a formal commitment to attend Stanford University in the fall. Sanders, seen here with his family, is part of a sensational Stanford recruiting class.
It was a proud day for the Sanders family, as Barry J. Sanders made a formal commitment to attend Stanford University in the fall. Sanders, seen here with his family, is part of a sensational Stanford recruiting class.
Courtesy of crpics.com
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3. Elite eight
Led by Darius Hamilton and Elijah Shumate, eight Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) players signed for the N.J. power, which finished the season as the No. 1 team in the Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings presented by the Army National Guard.
Led by Darius Hamilton and Elijah Shumate, eight Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) players signed for the N.J. power, which finished the season as the No. 1 team in the Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings presented by the Army National Guard.
Courtesy of Rue Eisen
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2. Center of attention
Even though he had been committed to Georgia for months, John Theus officially inking his National Letter of Intent was still a significant story in SEC country. Theus, who is swarmed by reporters here, is the nation's top offensive tackle.
Even though he had been committed to Georgia for months, John Theus officially inking his National Letter of Intent was still a significant story in SEC country. Theus, who is swarmed by reporters here, is the nation's top offensive tackle.
Courtesy of John Curran
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1. No. 1 stays home
The nation's No. 1 recruit celebrates his decision to attend Missouri, bringing to a close a long, well-documented recruitment. Dorial Green-Beckham throws up his hands and smiles big as father John Beckham and the rest of Green-Beckham's family celebrates.
The nation's No. 1 recruit celebrates his decision to attend Missouri, bringing to a close a long, well-documented recruitment. Dorial Green-Beckham throws up his hands and smiles big as father John Beckham and the rest of Green-Beckham's family celebrates.
Photo by Sam Soliday

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