It cuts both ways! Most of the kids that have committed real early as 9th graders are exceptional players, but some have plateaued. Conversely there are kids with later growth spurts and kids from non-traditional areas that are exceptional athletes that are catching up quickly, and will surpass. There are reclassed kids committed to big time programs as 9th graders that are high IQ, highly skilled players, but are not impressive physically or athletically. Once in college you can improve skill and IQ, physical attributes and athleticism - not so much! It will be interesting to see if they can compete at the next level. They only need to hit on four kids per year! The final four kids per year are probably throw-ins with a 12 player recruiting class.
Can't improve physical attributes? Have you ever heard of the weight room? My son went into College 6'0 175lbs. As a Jr he is now nearly 200lbs and has the body of a football player. BTW he was always fast, and is now faster at 200lbs. Of course he was 18 when he went to college, not 20. A man doesn't peak physically until age 25-26.
