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Northmont High School junior, C.J. Barnett, plans to go to Ohio State University on a scholarship. Jim Noelker/Dayton Daily News

"As highly recruited as Zebrie was ? everybody wanted him. And we thought he had a spot locked up at Florida," said Northmont senior-to-be C.J. Barnett, a prized recruit himself. "He was Ping-Ponging back and forth and then made a decision, and that came back and bit him in the end.

"It's good to get all that attention, but it comes at a price when that happens."

OSU's wake-up call

Sanders' treatment served as a cautionary tale for Barnett, who didn't dawdle in making his decision. The cornerback gave Ohio State a verbal commitment as a junior in February ? a full year before he can sign a binding national letter-of-intent.

Although the Buckeyes probably would have given him more time, Barnett didn't want to take that chance. And judging by the surge in early commitments across the nation, others have been quick to pounce on their most attractive offer.

High school athletes picking up the pace on commitments