Who are the Lowest Rated Recruits to Make the NFL?

By Jason Bolton March 21, 2024 20:45

Recruiting rankings in college football are widely followed and often considered as indicators of a player's potential success. But there are numerous instances of players who were low-rated recruits in high school but went on to have successful careers in the NFL.

This article will delve into the stories of these lowest-rated recruits who defied the odds and made it to the NFL.

T.Y. Hilton, WR, FIU

T.Y. Hilton, a two-star prospect in the class of 2008, was not highly touted coming out of high school.

But he went on to become the Sun Belt Freshman of the year, make the first team of the All-Sun Belt Conference as a freshman, and achieve significant success as a wide receiver for FIU.

His outstanding performance in college led him to a successful career in the NFL, proving that star ratings aren't always indicative of future success in professional football.

Russell Wilson, QB, NC State/Wisconsin

Russell Wilson, a two-star QB prospect, was known for his instincts and awareness but was not highly ranked due to his size.

Despite this, he excelled at NC State, where he tossed for 76 touchdowns as a multi-year starter.

He then transferred to Wisconsin and led the Badgers to the Rose Bowl before becoming a third-round pick for the Seahawks.

Wilson's journey from a low-rated recruit to a successful NFL quarterback serves as an inspiring example of defying recruiting odds.

Ryan Kalil, OC, USC

Ryan Kalil was listed as just a three-star prospect and the nation's 59th OL recruit in the class of 2003.

Despite his low rating, he went on to become a two-time All-American at USC and made three Pro Bowls in the NFL, showcasing that star ratings are not always indicative of a player's future success at the professional level.

Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan

Dan LeFevour, a two-star QB in the 2005 class, was not heavily recruited. But he had an incredibly productive college career, throwing for 12,905 yards and 102 touchdowns, as well as rushing for 2948 yards and 47 touchdowns.

His success in college paved the way for his NFL career, demonstrating that low recruiting ratings do not necessarily limit a player's potential for success in professional football.

Philip Rivers, QB, NC State

Philip Rivers, a two-star QB from Alabama in 2000, was not considered a big-time prospect. But he went on to have an illustrious college career, finishing with over 13,000 yards passing and 95 touchdowns at NC State.

His exceptional college performance translated into a successful NFL career, where he is regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, proving that star ratings are not always predictive of future success in the NFL.

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

Kellen Moore, a three-star recruit in 2007, was not highly sought after due to his lack of size and arm strength.

He became one of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football history, finishing with 14,667 yards and 142 TDs.

While his NFL career may not have been as prominent, Moore's college success as a low-rated recruit demonstrates that star ratings are not definitive indicators of a player's potential for success in professional football.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon, a three-star WR prospect in 2008, was not highly touted as a recruit.

he exploded in production at Oklahoma State, finishing with 252 catches, 3564 yards, and 40 touchdowns.

Despite his low recruit rating, Blackmon's college success propelled him to become a first-round pick in the NFL, illustrating that star ratings are not always reflective of a player's future accomplishments in professional football.

Dan Persa, QB, Northwestern

Dan Persa, rated as a two-star QB prospect in the 2007 class, was not highly regarded coming out of high school.

Despite this, he threw for 5181 yards and 34 scores with a 72 percent completion percentage at Northwestern.

His college achievements showcase that low recruiting ratings do not necessarily limit a player's potential for success at the professional level.

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, TCU

LaDainian Tomlinson, despite not being highly recruited in high school, had a stellar college career at TCU, finishing with over 5200 yards rushing and 50 touchdowns.

His success at the collegiate level propelled him to a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction after a remarkable NFL career, emphasizing that star ratings are not always indicative of a player's future accomplishments in professional football.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Cal

Aaron Rodgers, who was not highly sought after in high school, went on to have a successful college career at Cal before becoming the reigning NFL MVP.

His journey from being overlooked as a recruit to becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL illustrates that star ratings are not definitive predictors of a player's future success in professional football.

These examples of low-rated recruits who achieved success in the NFL demonstrate that star ratings in high school recruiting are not always accurate indicators of a player's potential.

While highly-rated recruits often receive significant attention, the stories of these players highlight the importance of development, determination, and the ability to exceed expectations.

The Impact of Low-Rated Recruits in the NFL

The success of low-rated recruits in the NFL challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding the importance of star ratings in high school recruiting.

While highly-touted prospects often garner significant attention and expectations, the accomplishments of these low-rated recruits emphasize the significance of individual development, perseverance, and the ability to excel despite initial limitations.

Relevance of Player Development

The journey of low-rated recruits to successful NFL careers underscores the critical role of player development at the collegiate level.

It highlights the impact of coaching, training, and opportunities for growth in shaping the future success of players, regardless of their initial recruiting ratings.

The stories of these players serve as a testament to the importance of fostering talent and potential through effective development programs.

Overcoming Adversity and Exceeding Expectations

The narratives of low-rated recruits who made it to the NFL reflect the resilience and determination required to overcome initial challenges and exceed expectations.

These players demonstrate that success in professional football is not solely determined by high school recruiting rankings, but rather by the drive to succeed, unwavering commitment, and the ability to maximize potential through hard work and dedication.

All in all

The stories of low-rated recruits who achieved success in the NFL shed light on the complexities of player evaluation and the limitations of high school recruiting rankings.

While star ratings undoubtedly hold significance in the recruiting process, the experiences of these players emphasize the multifaceted nature of talent, development, and the unpredictability of future success.

The achievements of these low-rated recruits in the NFL serve as reminders that star ratings in high school recruiting are not definitive indicators of a player's potential for success at the professional level.

Their stories exemplify the enduring impact of individual development, the significance of overcoming adversity, and the ability to exceed expectations, ultimately redefining the narrative of success in professional football.