ok, but you have to look at the entire picture. Starting with the BCS. They don't care, so soccer is not really comparable to footbal AT ALL from the outset. The lack of interest by the BCS helps allow SMU to distinguish itself and remain a winning, attractive program to recruits and transfers alike. Therefore, you have to believe that transfers are willing to compromise more and sacrifice more to come to SMU for soccer, ie lose some credit hours toward their degree etc. If we werent already a successful, high profile program, you can bet they would not be as interested or willing to accept our crap.
And I think the structure and discipline of the soccer clubs is a big deal, even as it relates to the inner city kid. Not sure why you dont see that and why you think it wouldn't rub off on a 5th Ward kid even if you had to pick him up from his house. Youth football at the YMCA just doesnt breed that long term discipline and structure.