We're in the midst of a so-called early signing period for high school seniors through Wednesday, with basketball commitments drawing the most attention.

Yet, if you buy the writings of Sports Illustrated writer Seth Davis, seniors and/or their parents would do well not to sign a National Letter of Intent this week or at any other time.

Essentially, Davis makes the very astute case that signing a NLI places the signer at a distinct disadvantage and may not even be necessary. The advice may come too late for hoopsters, but with the football date coming in February, prospective college athletes and their parents would do well to read Davis and a signing letter carefully before making the commitment

- Milton Kent