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This isn't a region to be confused with Florida, Texas, the plains of Oklahoma or even the suburban sprawl of Southern California. Those are longtime high school football hotbeds, noted grooming grounds for Division I college programs.

Not that the Sacramento area offers up chump-change recruits, though.

"No, not at all," said Mark Tennis of Cal-Hi Sports, a nationally recognized publication and Web site covering high school athletics. "There's always been some good players from that area."

This is the time of year when up-and-coming stars receive heightened attention from recruiters, who hope to discover future gems, as many area recruits before them have been.

The region has produced, among others, Tedy Bruschi of Roseville High School, a linebacker who starred at Arizona and is a fixture with the New England Patriots. Bruschi has won three Super Bowl rings and could get a fourth this year. Donte' Stallworth of Grant, a wide receiver now also with the unbeaten Patriots, was a big-time recruit who played collegiately for Tennessee. And Lance Briggs of Elk Grove, a Pro Bowl linebacker for the Chicago Bears, was a national recruit who landed at Arizona.

That's just a sampling.

This year's local high school scene includes 14 seniors so far who have been offered scholarships. Each has given a verbal commitment, according to the athlete or a coach within the high school program, and each verbal is considered "firm," meaning the athletes are pretty much done listening to other suitors.

The earliest high school players may sign with a college is on national letter of intent day – in 2008, on Feb. 6.

For this year's bunch, Christmas truly is a good time for all. Those firm commitments provide relief for the athletes and their parents, with a least a significant part of their futures settled for the next few years.

Bee Player of the Year John Boyett is so fixed on his commitment to Oregon, he declined late interest from Texas. He already has graduated from Napa High and will be taking classes in Eugene starting Jan. 7.

"I'm ready to go," Boyett said. "I was impressed with Oregon from the start. I like the feeling there, and I like the coaches. I can't wait to get started. It's the next step of my life."

Tennis said Boyett would have stood out anywhere across the country as a prep.

"He's an amazing player, a nice recruit," Tennis said.

Armond Armstead, a defensive lineman from Pleasant Grove, also is a top recruit, bound for USC.

"I'm really firm with USC, and it feels good," Armstead said.

At least six other local prospects are weighing scholarship offers. Tennis said college recruiters will intensify their pursuit in January, when the bowl games are over and letter of intent day looms.

However, Tennis and other recruiting experts said that if athletes have not been offered recruiting trips by now, they are not likely to be offered one this winter.

Long term, Tennis said the Sacramento region will continue to produce some stellar recruits.

"It's a growing area, there are some great coaches, the competition is good, and a lot of the athletes go to (recruiting) combines, so it all helps," Tennis said.

About the writer:

• Call The Bee's Joe Davidson, (916) 321-1280.