In the past 15 years, we’ve seen recruiting rankings have dominate the decision making around athletes’ scholarships at the top colleges. Companies such as rivals.com and 247 Sports have turned recruiting rankings into a money-making machine.

High school athletes that attend college recruiting camps are written about by publications such as rivals.com, ESPN 100, and 247 Sports, that fuel the recruiting class rankings, which ultimately impact college coach hirings. A BCS level college football coach can pretty much guarantee himself a short job tenure if his school is not at the top of the college recruiting class rankings. But do not be dismayed if you are not a five star or four star athlete trying to get into your top school of choice.

Surprisingly, much of the NFL and NBA consists of three and four star athletes. This might have something to do with the athletes having a chip on their shoulder because they were not heavily recruited, and that translate in their work ethic, which helps push them to the top. Recruiting rankings are helpful to give a general understanding of how good a recruiting class is, however it is flawed data because many of the top athletes are often overlooked.

Don’t let recruiting rankings discourage your hope in still attending your top college choice. Many of the top professional athletes in the world we’re not listed on any recruiting rankings, and some of them did not even receive a college scholarship. Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher was a walk on at the University of New Mexico Lobos, and he did not receive a scholarship until his junior year in college.

The college recruiting game has been somewhat tainted by money and big brands such as Nike and Adidas entering the picture, however if you feel you are overlooked, keep working hard because you will still be able to pursue your dreams.