D3's will usually give a verbal roster spot to a rising senior, some of the biggies go a year earlier that's about it. Anything earlier is a waste of time because they know D1 and D2's could throw some money at a kid. But the summer going into senior year the D3's know you are sure about attending.

Then the signing is just for show since their is no $$ offered.

Still a great day for all those who commit