Recruits Can Beat Crowds With Early-Signing Period

Basketball player Jamal Sampson of Santa Ana Mater Dei High was among dozens of Southland prep athletes who signed and mailed letters of intent to universities Wednesday on the first day of the NCAA’s early-signing period.

Cedric Bozeman, another highly recruited player from Mater Dei, was still awaiting the necessary paperwork but said he would sign with UCLA as soon as he receives it. Sampson signed with California.

The one-week period is for athletes who play sports other than football. Football players cannot sign until February.

Colleges and universities do not release official lists of signees until all letters of intent are received by mail or fax.

UCLA had received verbal commitments from Bozeman, Redondo Union guard Dijon Thompson, Washington forward Andre Patterson and Michael Fey, a center from Capital High in Olympia, Wash.

USC received commitments from twin guards Errick and Derrick Craven of Torrance Bishop Montgomery and center Rory O’Neil of Ridgcrest Burroughs.

Other players who committed to Pacific 10 Conference schools are Lakewood Mayfair swingman Josh Childress (Stanford) and Moreno Valley Canyon Springs guard Jason Braxton (Arizona State).

Westchester center Chad Bell and Corona Centennial forward Jamaal Williams committed to New Mexico.

Long Beach State was expected to sign guard Anthony Davis of Compton Centennial. Bishop Montgomery guard DeVaughn Peace had committed to UC Irvine.

Loyola Marymount had received commitments from swing man Andy Osborn of Longmont High (Colo.) and guard Charles Brown of Concord De La Salle.