You can buy a $2000 pup from a breeder, but if you don't teach it anything, the only thing he will be proficient at after 4 years is licking himself. Good teachers and coaches can take 2 stars and make them great, (look at the Draft...lot of 2 and 3 starts get drafted). I know we always worry about recruiting, but I want someone who can develop talent. It would be nice to have both, however.
I agree...the whole 'recruiting ranking' dynamic is just media construct to maintain viewership. Butch, somehow, learned to bottle it and sell it as snake oil.
ID'ing top prospects is always fun but it's gotten ridiculous.