National Signing Day 2019: Highlights from Day 1

Dec. 19 (UPI) -- National Signing Day has arrived and with it comes important decisions from a plethora of upcoming college football stars in the 2019 class.

Elite prep talent from around the country have the opportunity to sign a national letter of intent beginning Wednesday. The early signing period begins Wednesday and runs through Dec. 21. A significant portion of the nation's top prospects were expected to select their destination during that time.

Many highly recruited players have yet to make a choice, but Day 1 has still seen a lot of movement with commitments and flips. Here is a roundup of all of the first day's biggest moves so far. All rankings come from 247Sports Composite rankings.

Georgia continues strong push

Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart continued his torrid pace on the recruitment trail, which started first with the early addition of the No. 1-rated player in the country, DE/OLB Nolan Smith.

Smith, a native of Savannah, Ga., was never in danger of flipping and was a relative lock to sign with Georgia. He will likely see heavy playing time immediately.

The Bulldogs also inked offensive lineman Clay Webb (No. 22 overall, No. 1 OC), Travon Walker (No. 24 overall, No. 2 DT), Dominick Blaylock (No. 34 overall, No. 6 WR), Lewis Cine (No. 66 overall, No. 3 S) and Rian Davis (No. 90 overall, No. 4 OLB).

Four-star quarterback Dwan Mathis, who previously committed to Ohio State in June, flipped to Georgia after the recent news surrounding potential outgoing quarterback Justin Fields. Fields is rumored to leave Georgia for Ohio State, creating an opening for the Bulldogs.

Oklahoma inks top-rated quarterback

The Sooners officially signed Phoenix Pinnacle (Arizona) High School quarterback Spencer Rattler, locking up the nation's No. 1 quarterback and only five-star QB in this year's recruiting class, according to 247Sports.

Rattler had been committed to the program since his junior year and finished his prep career by setting the state record in passing yardage with over 11,000 yards.

Zach Harrison chooses Ohio State over Michigan

Zach Harrison, the country's No. 1 strong-side defensive end, committed to Ohio State over heated rival Michigan and Penn State.

According to 247Sports, Harrison is the No. 4 prospect in the nation. He announced his decision at Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio.

Harrison's commitment highlights the biggest grab of soon-to-be head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes.

Tua Tagovailoa's brother headed to Alabama

The brother of current Alabama quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Tua Tagovailoa declared his intent to follow in his older sibling's footsteps.

Taulia Tagovailoa announced he will join the Crimson Tide. According to 247Sports, the younger gunslinger is the No. 5 pro-style quarterback and the No. 110 overall player in the nation.

Dan Mullen nabs three more; Noah Cain chooses Penn State

Three of Lakeland (Florida) High School's top prospects committed to Dan Mullen and Florida, further establishing the Gators' heavy pipeline with the school and state.

Four-star guard Deyavie Hammond selected Florida over Florida State, while defensive end Lloyd Summerall and tight end Keon Zipperer both chose the Gators over Miami. Zipperer also had offers from LSU and Alabama.

Lakeland has produced numerous college and NFL talent in past classes, including Mike Pouncey, Maurkice Pouncey, Ahmad Black, Rod Smart and Chris Rainey.

Not to be outdone, James Franklin and Penn State locked up No. 7 running back Noah Cain.

Cain signed with the Nittany Lions over Georgia, Texas and Auburn. The 5-foot-10, 208-pound back starred at IMG Academy and graded as the No. 104 overall player in the country.