Lot of factors. They can sign on that first cycle. But not necessarily. If you're in a battle for him, it could be the very last cycle of the very last day. It's safe to say he won't likely sign in RS1. It mostly comes down to the battle going on for the recruit.
If you're very high, and no one else is above very low, Its possible you could sign him on that very first cycle. I just had this exact thing happen 2 days ago.
I tend to look at signing preferences as a general time frame and nothing definite. Because of the many factors involved. Like who's competing for him, what division those competing coaches are in, and what division the recruit is projected at.
12/2/2017 3:12 PM (edited)