By DREW ELLIS
Sun Sports Writer

The 2009 football season is still a few months away, but college football is always on the minds of Central Michigan fans.

While the players for the upcoming season are going through summer classes and conditioning, the coaching staff is busy at work with summer camps and recruiting for the 2010 incoming class.

Tyler Parsons, the Senior Editor of ChippewaCountry.com, a CMU rivals.com Web site, took some time out from his busy schedule to talk about the Chippewas’ current recruiting efforts:

-Last year, CMU had its first 2009 commitment in mid-June, as of now the Chippewas are without a commitment, is that a concern?
A: I would say no. Last year CMU received their first commitment on June 16th with Rochester Adams wide receiver Cody Wilson. This year the staff is being a lot more selective with offering scholarships, CMU won’t just give someone an offer because other schools are doing so. I fully expect the dominoes to start falling with commitments once all the summer camps are completed.

-What would you expect the commitment total to be by the start of training camp for the 2009 season?
A: I’d say around five, this class will be much smaller than last years and the focus is on grabbing a few more high-level prospects.

-How many recruits are the Chippewas targeting to have in their 2010 class?
A: Anywhere from 19 to 24 would be a solid bet. The 2010 class will not be in the 30s like last year unless there is some roster turnover.

-What impressions have you gotten from recruits regarding CMU’s summer football camps?
A: From talking to prospects, the impressions have been great. The prevailing theme that I get from prospects is that CMU has a well organized camp that brings together great competition. Prospects have also had good things to say about the family atmosphere that the CMU coaching staff projects and how the current players and coaches are fun to be around.

-Is CMU starting to attract more high-profile recruits in recent years than say five years ago?
A: Absolutely, without question. To reach the level of BCS caliber teams a program has to start recruiting like one, and I think CMU is starting to do that under the guidance of Butch Jones. Last year CMU was able to bring in recruits who had offers from the likes Auburn, Michigan State, Indiana, Minnesota, South Carolina and Louisville. A few years ago, I’m not sure you could say the same thing. Talking to some of the higher-level prospects for 2010 that have offers from BCS conferences, CMU is right there with them in terms of interest. The success from recent years combined with the tremendous recruiting efforts of CMU’s coaching staff have CMU in great position with some top players.

-What are the main areas of focus in terms of positions for the 2010 recruiting class?
A: The quarterback position is without a doubt a priority for 2010. CMU is after some quality talent such as Sean Robinson from Rochester (Ill.), Clint Trickett from Tallahassee (Fla.) and in-state guys such as Cody Kater from Montague, Chad Davis from Beverly Hills Grove and Bryan Kiel from Grand Haven. CMU will be looking to add at least one if not two quarterbacks to the roster with Dan LeFevour graduating. I also think there is an emphasis to add some offensive and defensive line depth with the 2010 class.

-What has been your impression of the three early enrollees to the 2009 recruiting class?
A: Jeff Fantuzzi has looked good transitioning into an offensive line position that is typically difficult to do so as a freshman. He rotated between the first and second teams throughout the spring. Defensive back D.J. Scott has drawn rave reviews from his teammates as an aggressive corner who makes plays on the ball. The third member, Jason Johnson has acclimated to the safety position and put on around 15 pounds from his high school playing weight.

For more information on CMU recruiting, be sure to visit http://www.chippewacountry.com/.