From Rivals.com:
11. Matt Kalil, OL (Servite, Anaheim, CA) - 5*
15. Tyron Smith, OL (Rancho Verde, Moreno Valley, CA) - 5*
31. Blake Ayles, TE (Lutheran, Orange, CA) - 4*
40. Wes Horton, DE (Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks, CA) - 4*
42. Armond Armstead, DT (Pleasant Grove, Elk Grove, CA) - 4*
79. Brice Butler, WR (Norcross, Norcross, GA) - 4*
96. D.J. Shoemate, WR (Servite, Anaheim, CA) - 4*
D.J. Shoemate took the biggest hit, going from a top 30 5-star all the way down to #96 and a 4-star rating. Personally, I'm not surprised with the move because I've never thought too highly of D.J.. I think he's going to be a solid player in college simply because he's coachable and comes from a great program in Servite, but he just doesn't have the "IT" factor to become a superstar IMO. I know some recruiting experts, like Garry Paskwietz of WeAreSC.com, thought he was one of the best RB/players in CA this past season and is going to be a tremendous recruit, but I just don't see it the same way. Garry obviously knows a lot more than I do, but he's also been wrong his fair share. Also, there is no way D.J. ever becomes a starting RB for SC, barring some ridiculous string of injuries; I see him as a receiver or safety at the next level. But with that said, I still think #96 is too low of a ranking; I think he should be somewhere in the 50-70 range. Also on the topic of overrated players, I'll be surprised if Wes Horton ever pans out, I think he's way too upright as a DE and should be at the bottom of the top 100 at best.
On the flip side, I really like Blake Ayles and think he should be a 5-star prospect, which he essentially is since he's ranked at #31. He probably won't make an impact right away because of our TE depth, but he should be a very good one in the future. Also, I've praised Armond Armstead numerous times on this blog back when he was a 3-star prospect. I also think Joe Adams will be a very good CB assuming he doesn't break out as a receiver first.
