Are we done yet? The word in football recruiting is 'earlier'

College football recruiting shifts earlier in the calendar every year, but that isn't making the process any easier on the players.

The May evaluation period has become better known as the spring evaluation period. It's gradually creeping away from the juniors and toward the sophomores.

Earlier, earlier, earlier.

Continuing technological advancements only speed it up as college coaches find more ways to find information -- and precious game tape -- on high school players.

While we're not quite approaching the insanity of eighth-grade basketball players making verbal commitments to colleges, the situation's heading in that direction as many of the nation's best football players commit sooner rather than later.

"It's gotten so competitive for the scholarships," said Rivals.com recruiting guru "Edgy" Tim O'Halloran. "It's not so much who's in on you anymore, it's about when they're in on you."

In other words if a college isn't first with the scholarship offer they could end up last on the list of a player's favorites.

You can't blame the players for rewarding a program's loyalty for getting in on the ground floor of their talent. And the way players have become besieged by coaches, media types and recruiting services, the urge to commit early is overwhelming.

Thank goodness the NCAA recently banned the use of text messaging from coaches to players. At least that's one pressure removed.

Two of DuPage County's finest junior football players _ Glenbard North quarterback Evan Watkins and Wheaton North running back Mike Trumpy -- verbally committed to Northwestern in April.

Both players stressed the same strengths with the school in making their decision. The academics, the geography and a little bit of everything played a part.

Both, however, also expressed relief at the thought of concluding the recruiting process. They wanted the decision made as early as possible while still researching the choices to the fullest. Their shared goal was to enjoy with focus their senior seasons.

There's also the case of uncommitted Glenbard West junior offensive lineman Chris Watt. O'Halloran ranks the 6-foot-4, 270-pounder as the No. 1 recruit in the state -- an honor that has its drawbacks.

You can only imagine the amount of attention Watt receives through the mail, on the phone and in the hallways of Glenbard West as a parade of college coaches visit Glen Ellyn during the spring evaluation period.

Among about 20 scholarship offers, highlights include virtually the entire Big Ten Conference. More offers are sure to arrive, and more attention will follow the longer he remains uncommitted.

"Everyone saw him coming, so a lot of schools got in on him early," O'Halloran said. "The buzz started last year, and he hasn't disappointed."

Trumpy, ranked as the state's top running back in the Class of 2009, and Watkins are firmly in O'Halloran's top 25, along with Waubonsie Valley kicker Mitch Ewald. Driscoll receiver Austin Baker, Naperville North lineman Jake Baratz, Huskies running back Nick Mlady and Naperville Central receiver Riley O'Toole linger right behind.

Each of them will forge their own recruiting path, some wanting to be done early and others biding their time to assure a well-researched decision. Others will hold their breath hoping an offer arrives.

For most the sooner the better.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we're done earlier than we were last year -- and last year was early," O'Halloran said. "By the time the first official visits came around in early December, we were pretty much done. I could see that happening again."