Interesting observation about rivals this year...

[JasonB]

Last year, they rated a lot more players (like top 100). Any player who was rated was given at least a three-star rating.

This year, they only rate a handful of players. And if a player is not rated, they do not get a three star ranking.

For example, last year, McGee was ranked as the 76th best corner in the country, and given a three star rating.

This year, they only rank 44 corners, so he would only have been given a two star.

Last year, we had a linebacker rated in the 50's. This year, outside linebackers go up to 40, and inside only in the 30s. We had an OL in the 50s, and this year none of the rankings go over 40.

My point is that from a "number of stars" point of view, it is impossible to compare this class with last year's. Instead, it is probably better to compare top 100 accolades and the schools they were offered by...

Just thought I would give some insight to people wondering why we only have one "3-star" commit this year. The final rivals ratings are going to be weighted much heavier towards the bigger schools because there are only a limited number of 3-star and up rankings given out this year. That will also make the JUCO players a team receives (most JUCO players automatically get at least a three star rating) have more of an effect on the final rankings...

[JasonB]

Also, FYI, in the rivals texas top 100, SMU currently has 2 commitments:

- Vincent Chase (50)
- Jessie Henderson (93)

Texas Tech (3):
- Graham Harrell (24)
- Anthony Jenkins (29)
- Danny Amendolla (77)Baylor (1):
- Bradley Bullitt (76)

TCU (1):
- Otis McDaniel (35)

Houston (1):
- Ivory Williams (40)

Rice (0):

North Texas (0):

UTEP (0):

[JasonB]

Of the the Rivals texas top 100 yet to commit, here is the list of smaller programs with medium interest:

SMU:
- Chancy Campbell (92)

Baylor:
- Chancy Campbell (92)

TCU:
- Shae Reagan (37)
- William Bell (51)
- Dnerian Wrighter (57)
- Gabe Ratcliff (60)
- Michael Rutledge (81)

Houston:
- Herman Johnson (28)
- Dnerian Wrighter (57)
- Aaron Darks (63)

Rice:
- Jordan Chambless (70)
- Michael Rutledge (81)

Tech:
- Shae Reagan (37)
- Jamario Thomas (38)
- Aaron Darks (63)
- Doug Smith (71)

UTEP:
- Michael Rutledge (81)

North Texas:
- Michael Rutledge (81)

[Stallion]

that's absolutely correct-I tried to explain that at the start of the recruiting season they added a second grading system. 4.9-5.4=2 stars; 5.5+=3 stars etc. I had hoped their rating system reflected that better but I don't think it does. I'll try to posts those scores for our players. I don't think Rivals overrates JCs though-in fact last year they were notorious for underrating them. The fact is that schools like Tech and TCU which you may have noticed have signed some really outstanding JC recruits.

[JasonB]

Not trying to say that Rivals overrates JC recruits, just saying they will have a bigger impact on the final rankings because there are so few three star rated players.

The way it is set up this year, I think if you rate by points, you can see where we stand in comparison with other teams as far as HS recruiting goes. But if you rate by average stars, the JC impact will be huge. It might be a little bit too much of an impact, where as last year there was too little of an impact. it also seems kind of random how they award the stars - Bobby Chase may be the only JC player in the system who got 2 stars. JC plays seem to be given three star ratings by default, which is a little inflated I think.

[Stallion]

well none of our JCs got three stars-I'd have to see which school your taking about but some of our opponents really have some top JCs coming in who deserve their ratings. BTW I had an e-mail dialouge with some of the editors of Rivals who assured me that DeMyron Martin's rating, which presently is a low 2 star(5.1), would go up significantly based on his outstanding senior year and playoff run but they still haven't changed his rating. Also, I think Lindley maybe significantly underrated even at 5.4. I also, think Wilton McCray deserves better than a low 2 star at 5.0 based on his Defensive MVP in a tough conference and his outstanding play during their undefeated State Championship run but they haven't adjusted him. BTW I saw a story that said he was unanimous All-District as a JUNIOR as well as a SENIOR. The low rating maybe he doesn't project as a College LB where is rated because he light and skinny-BUT he's an ideal size at SS. The hardest players to rate are the kids who change positions like McCray and Marcus Bunton who did everything you ask of him as an undersized HS QB but plans to switch positions in college. I applaud Bennett for going after the best athlete availible regardless of position. But that is rarely reflected in the athlete's recruiting rating. Bet he turns out to be a darn good player. Regardless, SMU has so many more talented athletes on its team from the last 2 classes its ridiculous-but again we are gambling by not signing some more quality linemen.

[Stallion]

Funny a couple of minutes after I wrote that-Rivals raised DeMyron Martin's rating to a 5.3 from a 5.1. I think he may deserve at least a 5.4 as I see him earning a position on the Texas Top 100 as he was rated recently by Geoff Ketchum one of their top editors.

[PerunaPunch]

Stallion,

I wouldn't be surprised, as I know the recruiting services read these boards.

Looks like you've sort of become the S&P 500 of the recruiting world.

[gostangs]

suck-up!