The funny thing is many people think because he wasn't rated high on Scout/Rivals then he was "unknown". The kid wasn't unknown to college coaches, which is all that matters. Might he have missed out on things like a high rating or a possible invite to an AA game...maybe. However, at the end of the day a 5 star kid and a 2 star kid are coming on campus at the same time and their rating isn't going to matter. Plus if it's my kid, he can be rated whatever, I'd be ecstatic that I had offers from USC, Florida, Ohio State, Auburn, etc...plus he'd probably have a chip on his shoulder. My biggest thing with him prior to his senior year was he's not the ideal size for a DE, so can he play LB? I saw him at the final shrine bowl invite combine deal in July and saw him at LB manhandle Anthony Rook (Wake Forest TE signee) on a number of occasions. I was sold...then breaking down senior film was icing on the cake. Personally between that, his senior film, and how he performed at the Shrine Bowl practices and game...I don't know you could seriously rank the kid three stars.
So many prospects, parents, and even fans get too caught up in the Scout/Rivals deal. There's a reason that colleges purchase recruiting services, if they felt like Scout/Rivals could find kids for them they'd just purchase the 9.95 a month subscription, roll with that and figure a way to use those sites without the NCAA knowing.
The key to this deal was Mark Pantoni doing his homework. He received Jamal's senior highlight in the fall and Florida LOVED Marcus and had them high on their board. Fast forward to Pantoni going to Ohio State and he received updated highlights on him, then Urban looks at his game film, and the rest is history. Hiring Withers IMO sealed the deal, he knew Marcus, his coaches, family, etc.
