High School football recruiting has always been a little sketchy at best. There's really no telling how a kid is going to grow physically or mentally as he moves to the college level. Aaron Rodgers was a tiny little fellow when he completed his high school football days. Nobody even took a second look. let alone a first look, at the kid. The incorporation of "stars" by a bunch of recruiting analysts as a designation of talent has made the process even more sketchy. Much of the rankings are made from word of mouth and/or viewing game film. The fact that no 5-star recruit started for either the New England Patriots or the Seattle Seahawks in the recent Super Bowl says something about the star-studded rating system as a measure of future football success. Maybe the best football players are those that were saddled with a modest three stars. It made them hungry.
On the occasion of last Wednesday's National Signing Day, Matt Vensel of the the Minneapolis Star Tribune took a look at how some of the current Minnesota Vikings measured up heading into college, according to Rivals.
Teddy Bridgewater-4-star. Originally committed to Miami. Eventually flipped to Louisville
Shariff Floyd-5-star. He had a bunch of offers. Signed with Florida.
Chad Greenway-This was way back in 2001. There were no "stars" by Rivals or Scout. Greenway played 9-man football in itty-bitty Mt. Vernon, SD. Signed with Iowa.
Everson Griffen-5-star. Top-ranked defensive end in the country. Signed with USC.
Matt Kalil-5-star. Third-ranked offensive tackle in the country. Signed with USC.
Jerrick McKinnon-3-star. Signed with Georgia Southern.
Captain Munnerlyn-2-star. Lightly recruited. Signed with South Carolina.
Adrian Peterson-5-star. #1 high school football player in the nation by Rivals. Signed with Oklahoma.
Cordarrelle Patterson-He didn't receive much attention out of high school. He went the Junior College route and became one of the top JUCO recruits in the nation. 4-star. Signed with Tennessee.
Christian Ponder-3-star. 14th-ranked quarterback in the country. Signed with Florida St.
Xavier Rhodes-3-star. 75th-ranked cornerback in the country. Signed with Florida St.
Brian Robison-3-star. As a linebacker. Signed with Texas.
Kyle Rudolph-5-star. Top tight end in the country. Signed with Notre Dame.
Harrison Smith-4-star. 25th-ranked athlete in the country. He was an excellent running back in addition to safety. Signed with Notre Dame.
John Sullivan-4-star. 3rd-ranked center in the country. Signed with Notre Dame.
Adam Thielen-nada. Rivals didn't even acknowledge him. Signed with Minnesota State-Mankato. He's in the NFL now.
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