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From the coaching perspective, each coach has a limited line of credit when it comes to recommending recruits.

You have some kid you're really impressed with, that you believe in, but whose attributes are not quantifiable. There's nothing about him you can put on paper that will impress your fellow coaches. If you insist on signing that kid, you're using up your credit. If he works out, you'll get more credit--one to three years later!

But until he actually proves himself (and your judgement), that "undersized" kid is an albatross around your professional neck. Your recruiting credit doesn't take near the hit if that undersized becomes a star for someone else, because everyone on your coaching staff agreed, "He's just too small." Shared blame is no blame.

Credit-wise, it's much easier to take a chance on a big kid with discipline issues ("Hey--we gave him a chance; the kid failed, not us!") than one who's "small" from day one.

THAT SAID... why not sign him? Every coach has seen undersized players make it all the way to the top. We have a new staff who needs to rebuild relationships with area high schools. Unless they're in-the-hunt for some "can't miss" QB, I think they'll eventually offer, or ask him to walk-on with a scholly dangled.

So often it's a lose/lose with players who always wanted to play for a particular school. Frequently their dream is fulfilled on signing day, with a subsequent loss of motivation. But shun them, and you double their motivation. Then they'll sign someplace where they can return to gut you in front of 100,000 home fans!