Outside of top recruiting schools, why recruit unproven high school players?

[Thiefery]

I never said we won't use the portal ... we ain't Dabo. We didn't last year, because we didn't need to. Smart would prefer to build organically if he can. We did take 3 this year - 2 WRs (Mizzou and MissSt), and 1 DB (ATM). We lost about 10 to the portal, AD Mitchel being the most significant (hence us taking 2 out of the portal). Bear Alexander seems to be a mutual thing - he's talented, but a pain in the ass.

When you recruit at our level, you expect to lose those who can't get on the field. It's the way it is.

yep, and the more successful you are .. there will be teams in those players ears.. That's why i think it will begin to change for them.. well for everyone