How rare is a 5-star recruit?

By Jason Bolton June 23, 2023 09:45

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The world of college football recruiting is highly competitive, and the coveted five-star recruit designation is reserved for only the most elite high school players. According to a study, there are only 370 five-star high school football players in the nation, making up just 0.1% of all high school football players. These players are the cream of the crop, the top 25-30 players in the country, and are highly sought after by college football programs.

Being a five-star recruit can have a significant impact on a player's future, both on and off the field. Five-star recruits are worth an average of $650,000 per year to their college football program, as they often bring in more fans, revenue, and national attention. Additionally, 58.1% of five-star recruits get drafted to the NFL, with two out of five becoming long-term players. This success rate is significantly higher than that of lower-rated recruits.

However, it is important to note that star ratings are not the only factor in a player's success. Many successful college and NFL players were not highly recruited out of high school, and coaches and recruiters often rely on their own evaluations and assessments when recruiting players. In fact, some players may even use their lack of a five-star rating as motivation to work harder and prove themselves at the collegiate level.

Four-star recruits, who are in the top 250-300 players in the nation, also have a high success rate, with a 22.1% draft rate over the past five years. Three-star recruits, who make up almost all of Power 5 recruiting classes, are roughly 0.6 percent of seniors and can still have successful college and NFL careers.

The states that produce the most top-rated talent in recruiting are California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. However, it is important to note that star ratings and recruiting rankings can vary greatly depending on the recruiting service or evaluator.

It is also interesting to note that only five football recruits have ever received perfect ratings. This shows just how rare and difficult it is to achieve a five-star rating.

In comparison to other rare occurrences, the odds of a high school football player getting drafted to the NFL are estimated to be 1 in 1,282 players. This shows just how challenging it is to make it to the professional level, even for highly rated recruits.

In conclusion, the five-star recruit designation is reserved for only the most elite high school football players, with only 370 players in the nation receiving the designation. While being a five-star recruit can have significant benefits, it is important to note that star ratings are not the only factor in a player's success. Coaches and recruiters often rely on their own evaluations and assessments when recruiting players, and many successful college and NFL players were not highly recruited out of high school. However, for those who do receive a five-star rating, the future looks bright, with a high success rate both on and off the field.