Typically, the weather in Ames heats up during the dog days of summer. This summer, Iowa State football recruiting has emulated the weather.

In the month of June alone, Iowa State received six class of 2019 commitments and one class of 2020 commitment. In Matt Campbell’s previous three recruiting classes at Iowa State, the Cyclones have tallied seven total June commitments, according to 247Sports.com.

Midway through July, Campbell and his staff have added three commitments to the class of 2019. Iowa State had one commitment under Campbell in July before the class of 2019 trio.

With 18 class of 2019 commitments for Iowa State, the Cyclones likely won’t tack on too many more recruits (the class of 2018 had 21 signees).

So why has the class of 2019 filled up so early in the recruiting cycle?

A big variable to the recruiting timeline shifting is the added early signing period that went into effect in May of 2017.

Traditionally, athletes had to wait until February to sign their letter of intent, but with the early signing period added, athletes can now sign in December.

The early signing period offers pros and cons. Schools have a better understanding of a class earlier on in the process, and athletes can secure a scholarship earlier on.

Meanwhile, a team might fill its scholarships too early or an athlete may sign early and miss out on a better offer.

Regardless of whether it’s a positive or negative change, the early signing period has changed the timeline of recruiting at Iowa State.