By BUTCH HARMON
Although their senior seasons are still a little more than a month away, a number of local football players already have announced where they will be continuing their careers after high school.
A total of seven area high school football players have already announced their college intentions and the big winner has been Central Michigan University which has picked up five commitments from area players.
On the offensive side of the ball Central received a commitment from DeWitt quarterback Jake Johnson (6-2, 185) who adds to the pipeline of area quarterbacks who have committed to the Chippewas in recent years. Central also added one of the top tight ends in the state when St. Johns tight end Austin Ervin (6-6, 245) pledged to the Chips. At running back the Chippewas received a commitment from Lansing Everett running back Damon Terry (6-0, 185). Up front, Greenville offensive lineman Steve Eipper (6-4, 272) made a verbal commitment to CMU while Lansing Sexton’s Rayshawn Wilborn (6-4, 210) also committed to Central and is listed as an athlete.
Western Michigan also picked up a pair of area recruits. Saginaw Swan Valley record-setting running back Alex Grace has made a commitment to Western as did East Lansing tight end Parker Underwood (6-4, 235).
All commitments are non-binding and football players sign actual binding letters of intent in February.