The star system is overrated, but it is also not the piling heap of dump some suggest. There are certain kids who dominate in HS, and in areas of the country where there is very high talent. That does not mean the kid will end up in the NFL. It does mean that if he has his head on straight, stays healthy and plays well within the system he chooses, he has an incredibly high probability of success at the college level.
Where the issues can arise are distinguishing between a 3/4 or a 2/3 star - at some point, it becomes a guess (and if the kid is recruited by a school with a big following on that particular service, he'll likely get bumped). IMO, 24/7 comes closest to trying to sort it out, but let's be honest - can anyone stand up and say I notice a .0036 difference in the play between Nino Leone and Vickers, and therefore affirmatively state the former is a 3 and the latter a 2 star?
I'll be honest - I'd love to see us compete for 4 stars, and then start winning some. I'm not interested in getting caught up in the game recruiting has become - hat selections, scavenger hunt videos, etc.
What I see here is a program at work, from start to finish that is focused on identifying players that fit the system and culture, that are RKGs, and that develop within the program and the school. A recruiting style that emphasizes development and is geographically focused, so that we can develop kids while nurturing relationships and building brand in select areas. I am excited today to welcome new pups to the program and hopeful that they will develop under our eyes. I think there is a lot to look forward with this class and, more importantly, a lot to look forward with this program. Get your letters signed and faxed boys, because starting tomorrow no one associated with sports will ever again assign a star rating to you.
