Bobby Burton on * Ratings

Bobby Burton's take on Texas taking another 3* DB this early in the cycle.

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Bobby Burton -

Well, Texas took another three star recruit on Friday. Austin Anderson defensive back Yaheim Riley is not among the top 100 players in the country by any service. Even more, he’s not even ranked among the top 100 players in the state by at least one.

So what in the world are Steve Sarkisian and Brandon Harris thinking? I mean, Texas should only be going after four and five stars. Right?

Wrong.

Just ask Cam Williams, Cole Hutson and Ethan Burke from the 2022 recruiting class. Or ask Tre Wisner and Trevor Goosby from the 2023 class.

How would this Longhorn roster look without Alex January, Parker Livingstone, Ty’Anthony Smith, Nate Kibble and others from the 2024 class?

Heck, even ask three more NFL draft picks from the class of 2021 - Hayden Connor, Gunnar Helm and Barryn Sorrell.

Facts are, “stars” mean little these days when it comes to Texas football. What matters most is a) the eye for talent that Sark and his staff seem to have and b) the development they bestow on the recruits once they arrive on campus.

Look, I was one of the inventors of the star-based ranking system. Literally.

I was in the room when we decided to go with “stars” instead of “chips” or “diamonds”.

I am well aware of the statistical probability that they result in.

But I have long held that 3 star prospects who sign with elite programs, programs like Texas, Ohio State, Georgia, etc., also have a disproportionate chance of making the NFL than 3 stars that sign elsewhere.

Why?

Because certain programs get more of the players they want, no matter where a player is ranked. Sure, there are “hits” and “misses” of three stars. But the exact same could be said for four and five stars.

I feel more confident than ever when Texas adds a three stars recruit. Maybe star chasers will disagree.

But to them, I say look at Sark’s track record at Texas. And look at Yaheim Riley’s film.

If Riley is a three star, then give me all of those I can get.

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It is worth noting that 3 Austin HS DBs started for Texas last year. Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba were NFL draft picks, and All-American Michael Taaffe (former walk-on) returned for his senior year.

It's time for the negative ratings bump held against Austin HS players to reset. BOMC and all.