re: Underclassmen prospects in the St Louis metro area

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Overall, St. Louis is an underachieving market. No question that there is talent, but it's softer, rougher, less refined, not as ready for D-1.

KC and central Missouri teams regularly spank St. Louis teams in state playoffs. That's also true in wrestling.

It's the biggest market in the state, but when other areas were refining football programs, St. Louis was refining its soccer programs.

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Couple quick thoughts on this. Over the last 10 years, KC only holds a slight edge on the STL teams as far as state championships go. Having said that, I'd agree that the Blue Springs schools and Rockhurst are year in/year out better than any one given STL school. I think part of the problem is that the STL area has nearly twice as many high schools, diluting the team talent. I think the individual talent is still there.

Also, I think you're right about the junior football in the STL area, though I think that's been changing in the last 5 years or so. You're from Chesterfield it says and they have a decent junior football program now. Mathews Dickey is always solid. Most of the high schools now have feeder programs as well. Hopefully it will pay off in the future.

Last note on STL football being soft. Since 2009, at least as far as Mizzou is concerned, the STL area pumped out 3 1st round picks in Maclin, Gabbert and Richardson. KC pumped out 1 in Aldon Smith. KC produces players, no doubt, but I just don't know if I'd call the STL market soft.