Recruiters quickly turning to outstanding junior class

While several senior players are hoping to land a fall scholarship offer, most if not all Division I schools have been focusing on the Class of 2010 and beyond since the early summer.

That's certainly not good news for several players in the Class of 2009. Welcome to the ever changing and cruel world of football recruiting.

So far the reviews of the Illinois Class of 2010 from those in the know?

It's looking like the Class of 2010 in Illinois could bring a wealth of Division I-level talent that we haven't seen in many years.

That's good news for several prospects in the Class of 2010.

Here are just a handful of names from the talent stacked Class of 2010:

Quarterback Taylor Graham of Wheaton North: Taylor is the son for former Wheaton North/Ohio State/NFL quarterback Kent Graham. Much like his father, Taylor is a big, solid looking quarterback physically with a very strong arm and great overall mechanics. Look for several schools to get involved with Graham sooner rather than later this fall.

Offensive tackle Christian Lombard of Fremd: Lombard has been at the top of several college wish lists since last fall. Lombard has already received several written scholarship offers since Sept. 1, including offers from Notre Dame, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa. Look for Lombard to continue to collect scholarship offers this fall at a blistering pace.

Running back/defensive back LaSteven McKinney of Nazareth Academy: McKinney is still searching for his first scholarship offer, but after scoring 8 touchdowns in just two games so far this season McKinney has been setting the recruiting circles on fire. McKinney has been drawing recruiting interest from Florida, Notre Dame, Iowa, Illinois and Arizona.

Wide receiver Kyle Prater of Proviso West: Prater had a very good summer, including an impressive one day camp at Illinois. Prater has good size and skills and will draw plenty of recruiting looks this fall for the 2-0 Panthers.

Defensive end Chance Carter of Loyola Academy: Carter, who is touting an early offer from Notre Dame, will continue to bring in scholarship offers at a steady pace this fall. Carter is a big and physical kid who also is an excellent student.

Defensive back Corey Cooper of Proviso East: Cooper has already given the University of Illinois his early verbal commitment, but expect several schools to continue to pursue Cooper this fall and beyond. Cooper has a mixture of great athletic skills and is also an outstanding overall football player.