In all likelihood the big name recruits (the top 15-20 in their class) started the process a year ago. They have been to the campus multiple times, have played on campus at a camp where they met coaches and players, and had an opportunity the past 2 weeks to go back to those few schools and done all of this in more depth and maybe even attended a football game. Many of these top recruits also know current families and players connected to the team. Don't make it out to be more than it is. They narrowed their dream school list down to 2-4 schools (maybe even less) months ago and have been guided by their club coaches who also know the school's and talk to the coaches.