Craig Morton wants to talk about his son, but there''s someone else on the other line.

   "It''s a coach," Morton says. "Can you hold on?"

   When you raise an all-star quarterback, call-waiting''s a must. Even if that quarterback has made a college choice, as Christian Morton did in August when he declared for Illinois.

   Because the phone''s still ringing.

   Any coach will tell you recruiting''s an unsavory business. Until a kid signs a letter of intent  and sometimes even afterward  he''s fair game, no matter how many times he announces his intentions. The NCAA and its warped rule book say so. Unethical, yes. Illegal, no.

   So it''s not surprising the plum of the UI''s upcoming football class still is Mr. Popularity in the Big 12, the Southeastern Conference and even the Big Ten. Especially after Morton''s eye-opening performance in last weekend''s Class 5A state championship game in St. Louis.

   The father doesn''t want to mention which schools continue to inquire about his son, worried about casting them in a bad light.

   The coach mentions that Iowa, Kansas State and Kansas have called to see how firm the quarterback''s commitment is.

   The athletic director says Arkansas phoned Monday.

   And the quarterback''s head is spinning, wondering what all the fuss is about.

   "I made a commitment," Christian Morton said. "I''m really not thinking about changing my mind."

Hard work paying off

   Greg McMahon, an Illinois assistant who has recruited the St. Louis area for years, first spotted Morton during his sophomore season  his first as a starter  at Riverview Gardens. Impressed with him then, McMahon followed Morton''s career, forging a relationship with the family along the way.

   McMahon was at the Morton household Tuesday night, the first day of the NCAA''s December contact period that allows for home visits. He was in the living room when rival coaches called. As if Illinois doesn''t have enough to worry about.

   "Coach McMahon, he didn''t just jump on the bandwagon," Craig Morton said. "He''s been here since his sophomore year, and we''ve become attached. He showed concern then."

   And now, which is vital for the UI.

   In August, Morton''s stock wasn''t as high. But a record-breaking senior season  2,546 yards passing, 28 touchdown passes, 768 yards rushing, 12 rushing touchdowns, a state title  has new suitors lined up. Suitors who are sure to bring up the Illini''s recent struggles.

   It''s called negative recruiting.

   And Illinois is sure to take the threats seriously. It is, after all, the school that lost another fair quarterback, Chris Redman, after he committed and signed.

   "It doesn''t surprise me that they''ve called," Riverview Gardens coach Darren Sunkett said. "It''s something we kind of expected. But his decision is made. He''s not going anywhere. There''s nothing to worry about.

   "I told him, ''A man''s only as good as his word. If you''re going to verbally commit, you stick by your guns.'' "

No time to relax

   Even with a commitment, Illinois will continue to recruit Morton, who will visit campus this weekend after a Friday pep assembly at the high school to honor the state champions.

   Smart strategy considering the increased attention given to Morton, whose state title-game efforts included three rushing touchdowns, 211 yards passing and 153 yards rushing.

   "Everything came together at once," Morton said. "I was in a zone you get into. It''s hard to explain."

   Morton, the basketball team''s leading scorer last season, will not play the sport as a senior. He will spend the rest of the school year lifting weights, improving grades and thinking about what he can do for Illinois.

   "(Riverview Gardens) was bad when he was a sophomore, and by the end of his senior season, they were state champs," Craig Morton said. "We don''t mind being the underdog."

   If Jeff Ziegler remains on campus, the UI will have six scholarship quarterbacks next season. Ron Turner said the position is up for grabs and has a history of playing true freshmen.

   Morton''s a candidate. Once he signs Feb. 3. That''s more than two months  and a lot of phone calls  away.

   Jim Rossow is sports editor of The News-Gazette.