BlueDrew

August 5th, 2009 at 11:32 AM ^

they have never used stars and appear to have some issues with assigning them. There are guys with the exact same numerical rating but different stars? It seems like if you are going to have the detail that comes with numerical ratings, you would make the star cutoff at a number break?

Jedelman11

August 5th, 2009 at 11:40 AM ^

They address that issues on the Football Recruiting Home Page and its still does not really make sense. Apparently there are half points, which exist but are not shown...

Thus someone who is 79 or 79.5 is listed as a 79. Howeva, those at 79 (like Christian Pace) are 3 stars and those at 79.5 (MRob) are 4 stars

OSUckSteverMSUcks

August 5th, 2009 at 11:30 AM ^

It appears they're still working on it because I see Gholston in the list but not on State's page

cpt20

August 5th, 2009 at 11:30 AM ^

I wonder why they don't have Henderson number 1. Mathis at 53? That seems rally high. How is Bolden ranked higher than Gardner? Jeff Luc should be rated ahead of Hicks.

Sommy

August 5th, 2009 at 3:54 PM ^

It is pretty bizarre that they're so high on Dior Mathis when he's even shorter than Cissoko, and Cissoko's height was their primary knock on him (and their only apparent reason for rating him a 77 or 78 or so). The phrase "Will be a target on fade routes" came up about five or six times.

At least be consistent.

jrt336

August 5th, 2009 at 11:40 AM ^

They gave lower ratings out this year. The highest is an 88. In past years it has been 92-95. And only 8 5stars this year-maybe not actually on football recruiting home it has more than 8. This is messed up. On the front they Lattimore a 5 star, then when you click on it has him as a 4star.

Captain Obvious

August 5th, 2009 at 12:12 PM ^

a while that ESPN simply does not get the recruiting game. And yes, I'd still be saying that if they had 10 of our commits in the 150. They consistently have wildly divergent opinions out of line with the recruiting services that have been doing it much longer. These different opinions have not proved to be more accurate. Also, it's ESPN. They hype the shit out of "their" recruits - the ones that attend their UA game. Last year Isiah Bell was considered the top or one of our top recruits.....hmmm. I think he will be a good player, but he was NOT a top 50 sort with more potential than Will, Tate, Turner, DRob, etc.

Ziff72

August 5th, 2009 at 1:27 PM ^

Have you seen I. Bell yet?? To call a guy not a top kid or whatever based on his ratings before he even starts his 1st practice is comical. ESPN has been doing this for a couple now I need someone to break it down against Rivals and Scout and see who was right. Not I. Bell was in their game so there they are baffoons. I remember ESPN didn't think that much of ROJO as a corner and everyone was up in arms. Turns out USC thought he was a better WR as well. ESPN also was not caught up in the Mcguffie train as well which proved more correct than theother sites. Someone who is a recruitnik needs to go back and find the biggest variance guys and see who's panned out.

Arizona Blue

August 5th, 2009 at 2:09 PM ^

But my brother or son is not a starting quarterback in the NFL and did not put a gun to his head in a car because he was injured and the fans doubted his abilities. Vince needs a reality check. As an avid Cardinal fan, I have seen nearly every cardinal player from 2000-2008 publicly grilled and criticized for their lack of ability and their utterly pathetic play. Most of them, like Rich Rod product, Sean King, took the critical viewpoints in stride, suited up on Sunday, and got whipped again by the opposition.

WolvinLA

August 5th, 2009 at 4:56 PM ^

Wow, laughing at someone who has emotional issues or suicidal thoughts/tendancies? That's very sensitive of you. I hope you or the people you love never have any psychological issues, they are very sad and difficult to deal with - regardless of how much money you make.

Also, you're a prick.

tubauberalles

August 5th, 2009 at 3:48 PM ^

But in my conversations with former professional football players, one of the things that's stood out to me was the constant stress of having to perform at the highest athletic levels or lose everything. Once a player has made it through all the selections/cuts throughout their career and are now playing at the very highest level, there's little room for error or under-performing to expectations. Yes, I think pro players have a great thing going while they're healthy and well-compensated. And it's annoying to see them act out in ridiculous ways in clubs, etc., where some may go on prima donna displays and the like.

But at the core, they're very much human and often have by-passed a lot of the education and development opportunities that lots of us go through at much earlier stages that prepare us for failure and considering-other-options. Because they're so talented, they haven't often been faced with what-happens-if-I-fail, particularly as it relates to their core identity and primary source of income. I can imagine that a lot of pro players are scared out of their minds on a regular basis.

dundee

August 5th, 2009 at 7:37 PM ^

while it's true that i myself have moved away from espn with the knowledge gained from Rivals and Scout. my question would be "what impact does recruiting services have on recruits"? ESPN is seen by more than just a few as a sports leader, they have several channels including ESPNu. so while they may not have the best or most accurate information. they are the only ones currently able to get the recruits names on a television telecast.right or wrong kids wanna hear their name on t.v and see their teams and future teammates ranked high.

Irish

August 5th, 2009 at 4:18 PM ^

A secret to espin's rankings?
26 of top 50
46 of the top 100
and 60 of the top 150 are uncommitted
just something I found interesting that was brought up on another board

marvel99

August 5th, 2009 at 4:48 PM ^

Wow. I'm glad this list came out today online. And to think, i already programmed my dvr to record the special ESPN 150 release show on ESPNU this evening. I'm glad i didn't waste my time watching this crap on tv.

GO BLUE!