According to insiders, Franklin historically had a staffer at PSU that lobbied the recruiting services to bump up the star ratings of his commits. Nowadays, you would not want to do that, regardless of the great publicity, as that increases the price tag for that player. I agree that stars can be directional, but the entire industry lacks authenticity. There’s often very little difference, if any, between somebody rated three star 88 and four star 90. As you said, it’s very difficult to judge players, particularly based on the local talent. Fleming was a 5 star that epitomizes that - a year older than everybody else in a region that probably doesn’t have the best coverage secondaries. He gave his best in college at both schools, but at pro day he ran a 4.72 40, which is fcs level.
Perhaps you’re right. But I do think the other position groups are stronger.