I think the sleeper recruits definitely use it to their advantage. Look at Chase Claypool as an example, that recruitment came out of nowhere, when he got the ND offer, other programs took notice and he went from a no star recruit to 4 star overnight, other offers flowed in. Granted he proved himself, odds are if ND has made a recruit an offer before Bama, SCUM, OSU, they will follow suite. Kids know this that’s why they use social media to their advantage. Other coaches make a career out of poaching recruits (Urban Meyer), its part of what makes College football great. South Bend is a hard sale for the California guys because of the weather and other distractions that young men find appealing. I’m glad that the players at Notre Dame are truly Student Athletes.

Before the advent of big-budget scouting services/sites, I’d be more inclined to agree with you. But social media (and tv exposure for all college teams, as well has high-profile high school programs, all-star games etc) has leveled the playing field considerably. Do you think opposing coaches don’t notice a high school player unless/until Notre Dame offers?