Forget the rankings, we have Chavis evaluating our defensive talent. By all accounts our staff has felt Jackson's play hasn't matched his very impressive physical stature. We backed off when we considered the need for middle linebacker filled with what our staff considers a better prospect in Dodson. With injuries still a big problem for the linebackers we have on the team, it looks like our staff may be reevaluating what the need is.
I think calling out our recruiting staff is a bit misguided. I get that recruiting rankings feels like a big deal, but outside of the top, can't miss types, the national recruiting services aren't any more accurate in predicting collegiate success for 3 stars than 4 stars. There are so many kids, you can't see all of them in person. A lot of the rankings are based on physical gifts, holiday tapes, and camp performances. If you look back at our last few classes, we have just as many studs who were 3 stars as were 4 stars. Off the top of my head, Johnny, Evans, Josh Reynolds, Donovan Wilson... I'm not a talent evaluator, but I've never been more confident in our defensive recruiting now that we have Chavis. I think I'll defer to his opinion. Win February if you can, but I'd rather win in the fall.