Football focus on tops of 2010

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College football coaches have already begun evaluating the Class of 2010, next fall’s juniors, and most have come to the conclusion that the top three prospects in Illinois are Fremd offensive lineman Christian Lombard, Loyola defensive end Chance Carter and Johnsburg receiver C.J. Fiedorowicz.

Another sophomore to note is defensive back Corey Cooper of Proviso East, who recently committed to Illinois.

Lombard, a 6-6, 285-pounder, is only 15 years old and hasn’t begun to shave. But he has the physical tools and skills to develop into a prototypical left tackle in college. Notre Dame, Michigan, Indiana and Michigan State are leading the early chase.

‘‘I’ve been coaching for 29 years and he is potentially the best lineman I’ve had,’’ Fremd coach Mike Donatucci said. ‘‘He made the transition from freshman to varsity without a hitch, and very few kids can do that. He has size and maturity and outstanding feet.’’

Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming saw Lombard three times last season.

‘‘He was one of the best offensive tackles in the state at the end of the season even though he was a sophomore. If he was a senior, he would have had scholarship offers. He wasn’t intimidated by older kids,’’ Lemming said.

Lemming also saw Carter play three times last season and predicts that the 6-3, 235-pounder will be a national recruit as a defensive end. ‘‘His motor is always going. He seemed to get better with each game,’’ he said.

Loyola coach John Holecek, who played for seven years in the NFL, said Carter is being recruited by Illinois, Notre Dame and Northwestern. Very athletic, he also plays basketball and figures to weigh 245-250 next fall.

‘‘Potentially, he is as good as any player I have coached,’’ Holecek said. ‘‘He is very active. He loves to play the game. He needs to work on his explosiveness and strength. But he is smart, has a big frame, big legs, long arms and huge feet. He is going to put on more weight and muscle.”

Fiedorowicz is a 6-7, 238-pounder with 4.55 speed who bench-presses 315 pounds and cleans 275. He is a wide receiver and middle linebacker.

Last fall, he caught 65 passes for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns and led his team with 73 tackles.

‘‘People are just beginning to find out about this kid,’’ Johnsburg coach Todd Winter said. ‘‘Most of them can’t believe he is a sophomore. Notre Dame came in last week and was very impressed. People look at him and can’t believe how athletic he is.’’

Fiedorowicz, who is so unassuming that he rides his bicycle around town, was all-conference in football, basketball and baseball.

But he now understands that football is his priority, that he can play football in college, maybe in the NFL.

‘‘Potentially, he can be a tight end in the NFL,’’ Winter said. ‘‘I’ve been coaching for 12 years and I’ve had 17 Division I players and two kids who played in the NFL. But I’ve never had a kid who was so athletic. He’ll have as many offers as he wants.’’

Northwestern, Oklahoma, Missouri, Purdue, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana have requested film. Florida and UCLA have expressed interest. But it’s early in the recruiting process and the phone is just beginning to ring.

‘‘He will be the most recruited player from McHenry County ever, more than Jace Saylor from McHenry,’’ Winter said. ‘‘Everybody will come in this spring to get a look at him. He will be able to pick his school.’’