February 2 meant one thing to college football fans -- national signing day.

For most, signing day was a refreshing way to continue to dream, wish and hope for fall, when football reigns supreme.

Tech faithful was treated to the finalizing of 24 incoming national letters of intent from future Bulldogs who are expected to fill holes created by graduation (well, in Tech's case, LEAVING after graduation) and, in one special case, leaving early for the NFL Draft.

Two key areas Tech had to fill immediately were running back and secondary.

Even after returning Freddie Franklin, Mark Dillard and Shelton Richardson, Tech was hit hard at running back when junior superstar Ryan Moats declared early for the NFL draft.

The Bulldogs did get good news the morning of Feb. 2 when three-time all-state running back Patrick Jackson's letter of intent was faxed in to give the coaches a sigh of relief.

Jackson, considered the gem of Tech's 2005 class, rushed for over 3,000 yards and set a Louisiana high school record 58 touchdowns in leading his West St. John team to its second consecutive 2-A State Championship.

Coming in for the 2005 season with Jackson at running back are Weldon Brown from Bossier High School and Joshua Raye Lewis from Arlington Martin High School in Arlington, Texas.

The answers in the secondary came from two junior college players in Melvin Ellis and Anthony Moss and Airline High School's stand out Chad Beverage. The trio is added to four December signees: Sandy Ray Collins, Keeven Moore, Marquis Spurgon and Larico Woods.

The last four have already enrolled and are ready for spring practice.

Bicknell has relied on signing junior college players in the secondary for the most part this recruiting season to fill spots that will require immediate help. Signing junior college players adds experience, especially in depleted areas.

Other key additions for Tech came at wide receiver in 6-foot-5-inch Joshua Wheeler and 6-foot-3-inch Bryan Jackson. Both are taller than the receivers on the 2004 depth chart and could add a new dimension to the passing game.

The remaining recruits are Dwight Alexander at offensive line, Jason Anthony, Leanard Powell and Michael Washington at linebacker and Mark Cassmiere and Christon Guient on the defensive line.

Anthony Harrison and Dustin Mitchell will come into the tight end position, while Michael Mosley and Tech's latest signee, Nick Worzel, will come in at quarterback.

Time will only tell which players will have an immediate impact or who will get their red-shirts and wait their turns.

And given the holes that need to be filled, one obviously stands out above the rest at the running back position.

Ryan is a great person who loves Tech and deserves nothing but the best at the next level, and the hole he leaves runs deeper than just a depth chart.

Anybody that had the privilege of watching "Mighty Moats" run in a Tech jersey walked away with something much more after just talking with him.

Players, fans and media alike will miss his presence. The month of February brought good things for Tech football. Each player brings something to the table, as Bulldog fans say goodbye to some and hello to others.

Kyle Roberts is a senior journalism major from Ruston and serves as contributing sports editor for The Tech Talk.