ESPN Recruiting

The Chicago area has long been known as a hotbed for college football recruiting. From Red Grange to Dick Butkus, the area has produced several college All-Americans and pro football Hall of Famers. Right now, there are 47 Chicago-area players on NFL rosters, down from last season's 51, but still, second only to the Los Angeles area when it comes to producing NFL players.

With around 225 high schools playing football in eight divisions, you can see why college scouts from all over the country make Chicago one their first stops during the May evaluation period. In fact, it looks like there are more reasons than usual to recruit the Chicago region this year.

I'd like to introduce you to seven Chicago-area players who are rated among the very best ballplayers in the country: quarterback/defensive back Garrett Seeger (6-2, 190) from Barrington, Ill.; his teammate, offensive tackle Dan Doering (6-6, 290); quarterback Jake Christensen (6-1, 190) from Lockport; offensive tackle Dace Richardson (6-6, 300) from Wheaton Warrenville South; his teammate, tight end Anthony Moeaki (6-4, 240); linebacker/defensive lineman Ryan Bain (6-2, 265) from Bolingbrook; and running back Rashard Mendenhall (5-11, 210) from Skokie Niles West.

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