Question on recruit rankings

[NCanton Panther]

I've seen it cited many times/places where Lamont Wade is the #1 rated DB in the 2017 class. I don't follow recruiting in detail, don't live in the Pgh area and haven't watched a whole lot of tape of Lamont. So this definitely isn't meant to be any knock or criticism of Wade but more just a general observation/question - how is it that any 5' 9" DB whether Lamont Wade or anyone else, could be considered the #1 DB recruit in the country. We Pitt fans know all to well how much difficulty a small DB has covering much taller receivers. What strengths does Lamont bring to the table to compensate for the inherent disadvantage he will have w/r to height relative to other DB candidates across the country?

 

[yourhired]

It's all subjective some of it based on film and some is based on these summer camps. From seeing Wade a few times he's extremely physical he will hit you and your going to feel it he has very good hands negative his size he simply isn't going to grow height wise so he will be challenged by taller WR.

 

[PhPanther1]

Elite ball skills when the ball is in the air.
Elite recovery speed.
Elite strength for a CB to jam wr's.
Above average speed.

He wasn't the #1 CB in the country until last year. That's when he went to the camps and put on a show winning the awards for being the best CB at the passing camps. He pretty much went up against 5* WR's and he held his own. Normally CB's get abused at those camps, while he excelled.

 

[SVPanther]

Based on 247 and others, he is rated 7th or 8th best in country. Damir Hamlin, last year, was rated 10th, FWIW.

 

[revampedpanthers]

It's all subjective some of it based on film and some is based on these summer camps. From seeing Wade a few times he's extremely physical he will hit you and your going to feel it he has very good hands negative his size he simply isn't going to grow height wise so he will be challenged by taller WR.

This is not to bash the kid. But he isn't the best CB in the country and the reason is his size. He seems to be very good at everything in regards to CB play but at 5'9 he simply lacks the size to be a true #1 QB in the country. He will likely be a very good college CB and from what I have seen/heard I think he can come in and play right away, and be better than what we had this year.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

The average height for an NFL CB is 5'11". Being 5'9" and extremely explosive with great instincts will make up for the 2 inch difference. Wade puts himself in a great defensive positions with his speed and athleticism, coupled with an ability to go up and get the ball at its highest point. The kid is a player, and not just at the CB position. If he's looking at the way guys like Henderson are being used on special teams and jet sweeps, he could be an incredible option on the offensive side of the ball as well.

 

[TempleBAPittMPA]

I'd say it has to be athleticism. You know how that disgraced coach at that disgraced university (I'm talking about the guy who's dead) used to recruit players after watching them play basketball? Wade does play that sport for Clairton (and would be even more height-challenged on the hardwood).

 

[freddietee511]

Height isn't an issue. He's so polished.

 

[88Pitt88]

He will be stronger and more physical than any receiver he faces. That is where his advantage is along with speed, agility, and ball skills. He is physical enough to beat you up!

 

[oldpantherfan]

So he can't be #1 because of his height ?