2024 PA Ranking Self-Reflection, Where Did I Go Wrong?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evaluating talent, you're going to miss. Traveling limited, players develop. Real evaluators learn from said misses and do all they can to avoid those mistakes moving forward. I wanted to dive into a few prospects who have not only surpassed my expectations, some of which who have proved me flat out wrong. A D1 grade for most of my senior classes range from 1-250. As you can tell below, many prospects below place outside of the top 250, and many, like [player_tooltip player_id='377365' first='Tyree' last='Alualu'] and [player_tooltip player_id='557859' first='Sam' last='Cooper'], are still to high on our ranks in regard to the level of attention they are seeing from national recruits. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["313742"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I liked [player_tooltip player_id='313742' first='Braden' last='Laux'] for overt and obvious reasons. Laux boasts a flattering 6'4 build that will bring coaches in alone. Plug him into an offensive system surrounding the great [player_tooltip player_id='64565' first='Quinton' last='Martin'] and you have a feeling that he could produce favorably, at TE or at QB. Braden did exactly that, which is why we designated him as an ATH. I saw Braden work in the State Title game, where Laux flashed why everyone is so excited about his game. My reason for Laux not placing inside the top 150, where he belongs, might be because of my questions about his abilities behind center when projecting to the next level. I should value his overall skillset a bit more, I should also see that he's answered many of the questions I had after rewatching tape. Nonetheless, there was no doubt in my mind that Laux would receive love from FCS schools, I didn't imagine he'd receive G5 offers this quickly. He's done just that. Since January, Laux has received calls from Western Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, and Maine University. He's out-pacing his rank.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644d6c2cb8278"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BradenLaux14/status/1606448027908153344?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BradenLaux14/status/1606448027908153344?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377365"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"This might be one of the more egregious mistakes. I welcome mistakes like this one, as [player_tooltip player_id='377365' first='Tyree' last='Alualu'] stands as arguably one of the best linebackers the state has to offer. That's a far cry from 16th overall. Again, I like Alualu's game, the top 200 ranking proves that. Yet I had no idea Power Five programs would find his tape to be a hit. I fell victim to the measurable threshold constraints placed on numerous athletes across the country. I figured Alualu to be too small for programs above the FCS level. I was wrong. 14 Division One offers did more than prove that. James Madison, Bowling Green, Temple, and Coastal Carolina all pulled the trigger on this kid. More impressive, Oregon was the first to open the floodgates back in January. Great grades to boot. I'll be sure to correct his ranking to better fit the recruiting heat he's seen come his way.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644d6c2cb82cf"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TyreeAlux2/status/1648342562564866048?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TyreeAlux2/status/1648342562564866048?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["558274"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The likes of West Virginia, Temple. Syracuse. P5 and G5 schools have already reached out to [player_tooltip player_id='558274' first='Clinton' last='Robinson'], a prospect who I was told to look out for for a potential higher grade by Western PA's Avery Hawkins. I decided to play the wait-and-see game, something I won't do moving forward, because Avery Hawkins was spot on with his FBS evaluation of [player_tooltip player_id='558274' first='Clinton' last='Robinson']. Robinson's offer count is at nine, with Syracuse liking his tape enough to pull the trigger. My hesitation of a higher rank might've been negated had I been able to see Clinton play in person, tough to make it out West for games. There's a lot to like out of this 6'1 DB, excited to rerank him soon.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644d6c2cb83e0"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/clintonrob3/status/1647347993882812417?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/clintonrob3/status/1647347993882812417?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255735"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='255735' first='Ryker' last='Jones'] was once a top 100 athlete in our ranks. I stand scratching my head a bit as to why I dropped him into the low 200s. I wouldn't say I was drastically off on Ryker's rank, yet I didn't expect to see Jones receive the FCS love and attention this early on. I thought programs might've wanted to see a bit more on tape, electing to wait for his senior tape to drop before stamping him as a take. I was wrong, FCS programs including Duquesne, Lehigh, and Columbia were more than happy to stamp [player_tooltip player_id='255735' first='Ryker' last='Jones']. Just over a week and some change ago, [player_tooltip player_id='255735' first='Ryker' last='Jones'] announced his decision to commit to Princeton University. The Illustrious Ivy League program is getting one hell of a LB.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644d6c2cb8313"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/rykerj_25/status/1650529329200214022?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/rykerj_25/status/1650529329200214022?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377366"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"This one is another head-scratcher. I'm usually the scout that is enamored with giant prospects. Everyone knows that I over-rank giant linemen while projecting them to be looked at favorably by college coaches ready to mold these behemoths to their liking. How I didn't group [player_tooltip player_id='377366' first='Hunter' last='Svoboda'] with the rest of the bunch is a clear oversight. Thing is, I've been intrigued by Svoboda for some time. I can't claim to pretend I wasn't aware of his abilities or his tape, this kid was sitting squarely under my nose, especially in a program that I write on frequently, that being Fleetwood. Columbia, Army, William, and Mary, these are some of the programs that have already seen enough out of Hunter. This list will only continue to grow. I might've gone the u0022Svoboda is still raw and a tad bit underweightu0022 route. That is hardly a reason for teams to not offer the young man. He'll be seeing a much-improved ranking moving forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644d6c2cb8351"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/HunterSvoboda55/status/1650234750534135810?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HunterSvoboda55/status/1650234750534135810?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377352"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"This mistake wasn't too bad, especially considering [player_tooltip player_id='377352' first='Amir' last='Haskett'] was much much lower before this update. I clearly corrected some wrongs after the season he put together and reranked him accordingly. College coaches might be hinting that the top 250 rank still might be off. The rank lands him a D1 grade, yet prospects at this range usually see traction in the form of offers far after their senior season has commenced. Haskett is receiving interest early, proving he should be in the 100-120 range at the least. I also wasn't sure he's G5 talent, on the fence about it. So much for that, as Temple and Army have given the Coatsville prospect phone calls.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644d6c2cb841e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/amirhaskett1/status/1652126555798138882?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/amirhaskett1/status/1652126555798138882?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["557859"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A Syracuse commit this far down the rankings. I should have trusted my gut with a prospect that operates right under my nose. I found [player_tooltip player_id='557859' first='Sam' last='Cooper'] last summer, dominating 7v7s like any FBS talent would. I remember not being able to find substantial tape out of the kid before he attended Conwell-Egan. His efforts this past Fall impressed me, yet I wasn't sure if he had done enough to garner Power Five interest after just his junior campaign. I was wrong. Cooper also wasn't very active before November of last Fall, so I was under the impression he was falling under the radar. Thus my 195 ranking. A wide range of levels offered Cooper, he committed to Syracuse, but has since decomitted, stating he wants to explore more options.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644d6c2cb839a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Sammycoop1230/status/1649127855442239489?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Sammycoop1230/status/1649127855442239489?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255954"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another embarrassing ranking. There might not be a hotter name in the month of April. This kid picked up an offer as I was writing this story. I should know better, [player_tooltip player_id='255954' first='Nick' last='McGlynn'] has picked up six FCS offers in the span of 8 weeks, adding two military academy offers out of Army and Navy. I am sometimes too weary of placing every St. Joseph's Prep prospect ahead of others, simply because of the umbrella of development kids fall under when attending the school. That's no excuse for having [player_tooltip player_id='255954' first='Nick' last='McGlynn'] outside the top 150, let alone 300. He checks off so many boxes, the linebackers before and around him might have thrown off my personal grade despite the young man's production around big names like [player_tooltip player_id='27736' first='Josiah' last='Trotter']. Excited to represent him correctly.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644d6c2cb845a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/NickMcglynn6/status/1653107966524940291?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NickMcglynn6/status/1653107966524940291?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->