It’s the end of June, and while rising senior football players are attending camps, combines and 7-on-7 events throughout the country, college decisions are not far behind.

In the past, making that important choice took time to visit every school, check out academics, football program and what campus life will be all about. Things are changing.

What is happening over the past few years is that making that decision early, before the final season begins, is something that athletes and their families are making a priority.

This summer, several area players, who believe they have taken enough visits and watched enough to know where they want to attend college has been the norm, and it comes as no surprise to Rich Barimo, who has been following and evaluating high school football for over 30 years.

“As I travel around to camps, 7-on-7 tournaments and other events, I am finding that athletes have already made their decisions,” said Barimo. “Many young men and the parents I have talked with want to get that decision over before the season starts. Plus, there are many who are going to enter school next January.”

For Everglades running back Cedric Thompson (6-0, 200), the decision to commit to the University of Central Florida early was based on the program, his chances to player early, and of course, what the school offered in the way of an education.

“It was a great fit for me,“ said Thompson. “People talk about making an early decision, but if it all feels right, and it did, you do what is best for you and your family.“

In addition to Thompson, a number of other area players have already made their important decision. St. Thomas Aquinas, which annually has many players move on to the next level, had four early commitments before July 4th.

Quarterback Jake Ruddock (Iowa), receivers Rashad Greene (FSU) and Phillip Dorsett (Miami), and punter Justin Duvernois (Illinois) all made their decisions, which caught the attention of fans from Des Moines to Tallahassee.

Speaking of Tallahassee and FSU, Nova defensive lineman Nile Lawrence-Stample (6-1, 295) was one of the first to let FSU know they would have an emerging prospect when he committed during the spring.

In addition, Central Michigan remained a yearly visitor to the area when the Chippewas reeled in Cardinal Gibbons running back Denzel Wimberley (5-10, 190). The Florida Gators made Broward County a priority with Plantation linebacker Ryan Shazier (6-2, 210). His teammate Jeremy Cash, a 6-1, 195-pound safety, also committed early, but will head up to Columbus and play for Ohio State.

The BCAA early commitment list includes Boyd Anderson linebacker Shaun Ward (6-2, 220) and Dillard defensive back Allen Ramsey (6-0, 175), who are going to Maryland, Douglas running back Orville Reynolds, who will attend Wake Forest.

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at Floridakids1@hotmail.com. Blustein is the co-host of the High School Gridiron Show each Wednesday night from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM) or www.wqam.com.