Legend,
There are reasons to take lower ‘rated’ players. Especially OL and DL. We had Leo Brooks-Kermit, Travis Roach-Marlin, Bob McKay-Crane, and Jerry Sizemore-Pampa. Important because quality of competition puts a cap on rural players ability to show talent. It’s impossible to say how an OL will do against another 300#-er if there isn’t evidence. Watching McKay push around DL’s at 180# on HS film was comical. Coach Royal mapped feet against, height, weight, and BMI. Then did it with 30, 50, 75 pound weight vests to see the arch reaction to added weight. He gave big feet a giant bonus believe it or not. I thought it was nuts, but there were all these All-Americans from rural Texas to prove the science. Plus, there is one hell of a difference between a 300# 16 YO and a 300# 21 YO. An entering freshman (almost all of them) is stunned in disbelief the first time they all shower together. A stud HS players has an instant ‘come to Jesus’ moment in a bunch of highly marbled grown men. No bromance here just awe at developed muscle. Seeing how a 16 YO will be at 20 is what makes the non-rated and 3* haul a potential gold mine. Obviously, there are plenty of Bobby Wuench’s from Houston that earn 5* by playing against talent and have to be taken, but some kids nearly peak in HS. Look at the 4 and 5*’s that never develop much. Coaching matters greatly, but scout team competition is crucial and desire is hard to measure. Cold beer, cute girls, a little fame, and no parental oversight derailed many an athlete’s train. I speak from experience.
Y’all smell that? Breathe deeply.
