We all know that recruiting is an inexact science, and Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright proves the point on his Twitter handle TwoStarScoob.
The true sophomore unanimous All-American became the nation's most decorated defensive player, winning the Lombardi, Nagurski and Bednarik awards.
That is the focus of this series. We'll run through each Pac-12 team and highlight a player who was low on star rating when he arrived on campus but became a critical guy.
Up next: UCLA
Two-Star Scoob: CB Fabian Moreau
Recruiting ratings: ESPN.com: Two stars; Rivals.com: Three stars; Scout.com: Three stars.
Recruiting analysis: Moreau, who hails from Sunrise, Florida received his only SEC offer from Vanderbilt. A good student, he was pursued by a number of academically elite FBS schools, such as Northwestern, Wake Forest and Boston College. An indication that more than a few folks with a good eye for hidden talent recognized his ability was an offer from Kansas State. Listed as a RB or WR by most recruiting services. Lettered two seasons as a RB and WR at Western High. As a senior, he ran 149 times for 889 yards and 11 touchdowns. Also caught 21 passes for 416 yards and seven touchdowns. From ESPN.com: "Does a lot of things well, nothing great at this stage but we still feel that Moreau is falling under the radar with his versatility and is a solid prospect likely suited for the mid-major level."
On campus? The key was finding the right spot for Moreau, and Jim Mora did that by moving him to cornerback, at which point Mora almost immediately announced that Moreau had first-round NFL ability. He saw significant action as a true freshman in the secondary and on special teams and has been a full-time starter the past two years, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors in 2013 and second-team honors this past season. He finished with 53 tackles, three tackles for a loss, an interception and nine pass breakups. He and Ishmael Adams -- first-team All-Pac-12 -- will give the Bruins the best CB tandem in the Pac-12 in 2015 and one of the best in the nation.