One of the nation's top quarterbacks, Nick Patton of Winfield, Kan., has committed to Kansas State over Missouri and Kansas. He also considered Iowa and Michigan State.

LSU has pledged running back Jacob Hester of Shreveport-Evangel, La., who recently decommitted from Texas.

Defensive lineman Kevin Hamilton of Prattville, Ala., has chosen Alabama over Arkansas, Auburn Clemson, LSU and Louisville.

Offensive lineman Randall Swoops of Athens-Clarke Central, Ga/Georgia/Georgia Military College, Ga., will rejoin the Georgia Bulldogs. The sophomore had left Georgia due to off-field problems.

Pittsburgh has pledged receiver Derek Kinder of Albion-Albion Central, NY., over Boston College, Maryland and Syracuse.

Defensive lineman/linebacker Justin Hickman of Phoenix-St. Mary's, Ariz/Glendale CC, Ariz., has become the sixth junior college prospect to sign with the UCLA Bruins. He picked the Bruins over Arizona State, Oregon and Washington State.

BYU has signed junior college receivers Todd Watkins, one of the nation's best from LaMesa-Helix, Cal/Grossmont CC, Cal; and Riley Weber of Glendale CC, Ariz. The Cougars recently gained a verbal from defensive back Greg Lovely of San Jose-Gunderson, Cal/Foothill CC, Cal.

Running back Tramell McGill of Chandler-Hamilton, Ariz., picked Colorado State over Utah. The Rams recently added tight end/defensive lineman Kory Sperry of Pueblo-Pueblo County, Colo., over Colorado and Wyoming.

*LSU leads the 2004 Top Recruiting Classes. Other top programs making an early charge are Southern California, Texas, Miami-Florida, Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Penn State, Georgia and Maryland.

*Search the early list of over 3200 Prospects, Commitments and Signings for your favorite Schools and Conferences. Football Signing Periods: Midyear JC/Prep Transfers (Dec. 17-Jan. 15) and Regular (Feb. 4-Apr. 1).

*Check out the Top 150 Prospects and Super Prospects. Where are the top Class 2004 quarterbacks headed? List.