It’s (the first) Signing Day, so we wanted to tale a look at the top FBS signees for Massachusetts.

Unless we are missing something, there are 16 players who fit that bill.

It is another strong group of prospects, and a lot of programs are getting top-shelf players.

Let’s take a look.

What is the power position?

Not a single position per se, but looking at this list, it is particularly strong at the line of scrimmage. Of the 15 prospects, seven of them are offensive and defensive linemen. According to 247sports.com, the top four prospects all fit that bill. So there is high-level talent and depth across the board there. That is not unusual for Massachusetts, and it is cool to see these players carry on that tradition.

What is the unusual strength?

Most years, Massachusetts does not necessarily have high-level running backs. That is not the case this year. Catholic Memorial’s Mekhi Dodd and BB&N’s Bo MacCormack are both rated three-stars by 247, but those two are probably better than their ranking. Dodd returned from an injury last season and has been utterly dominant, and a breakaway threat. MacCormack is an all-around talent that put up huge numbers in the ISL. These two are both going to Boston College, and the Eagles deserve a ton of credit for keeping both of these guys in-state.

What is another defining characteristic?

You have to love the size and speed combinations of some of these players. Whether it’s tight ends or wide receivers, you’re looking at a group that has plenty of size, 6-foot-4 and above. Two players who stick out there are Merrick Barlow of St. John’s Prep and Navy, and Kaelan Chudzinski of St. Sebastian’s and Boston College. Barlow is 6-5.5 and had a tremendous amount of production this season. So did Chudzinski, who is 6-4. These are two players who can be effective in-line or spread out. Both Navy and BC did well here.

Who did the best getting these recruits?

Out of state, how can you argue anything but Duke? The Blue Devils secured commitments from Belmont Hill defensive ends Sampson Onuoha and Tommy Rupley. Just a big win to steal two local players from Boston College. Duke is one of the programs that has done fairly well with locals, but this was a major coup. Locally, despite missing a few players, BC did quite well. Xaverian’s Micah Amedee, Chudzinski, Dodd, MacCormack, and Griffin Collins is a solid first class for coach Bill O’Brien.

Which program could do better?

Forgot, initially, that BB&N’s AJ Azuokolam signed with UMass, a good player whose best days are ahead of him.

Now, it is understandable given the coaching change, but UMass cannot go a full cycle without more Massachusetts players. That is simply unacceptable. New coach Joe Harasymiak should make it Job One to get his program in the living rooms of Massachusetts recruits. UMass is the state school, and local recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful program. Yes, UMass has some deficits compared to other programs, but the Minutemen are capable of doing better.