FL- The first Wednesday in February isn't a national holiday, but it's close to that for college football fans. It's national signing day for high school football recruits hoping to play college ball.

These student athletes are getting the opportunity to play college football and get a free college education. But signing day is only one of the highlights in a process that can be long and difficult.

All over the country high school football players are putting their names on the dotted line. National signing day has become a huge part of college football, as more and more national recruiting websites and analysts cover the recruitment of top players.

Getting a scholarship is a major accomplishment. Only a select few high school stars make it.

Arnold High School Athletic Director Julie Hale said, "We're very excited to have these kids go on to sign scholarships and play the sport that they love. We've never had two kids sign D-I scholarships [on the same day] so this is exciting."

Signing a scholarship isn't based solely on a athletic ability. Players also have to cut it in the classroom.

"Looking at D-I, D-II scholarships you have to go by the core GPA, which are your English, Math, Science, Histories," Hale added. "They don't count the P.E.'s. They don't count the Arts. So that's very important."

Some big-time players, who may not be ready for big-time academics, turn elsewhere. Junior college is a viable option for athletes who need to improve their G.P.A., before going to a 4-year program.

"They're young, immature, just getting into their teenage years," Gulf Coast Men's Basketball coach said. "Make a few poor decisions academically in their classes, and they're behind the 8-ball. and they can't get out from behind the 8-ball by the time they graduate. So, they're high school graduates, they're just fine. They're high school graduates, but because they started too late Junior College is the best route for those people."