Im sure the convo goes like this? Recruit- Hey Coach Fran, I really like the campus and also heard you guys had a Top 20 class back in 2012. Fran- Well actually it was Top 30, but was an impressive class regardless. Recruit- Top 30? Im out, peace.having a top 20 class would sound better to recruits then a top 30 class. if a recruit is 50 50 between us and someone else it could make the difference. I'm pretty sure that's all herby is trying to say then everyone rips on him and it becomes stupid. I have even seen Jon say on here that recruiting services can be bias towards schools. I'm surprised people are arguing this that much i thought it was common knowledge
actually it would be more like fran trying to sell whatever class he has then it would be up to the recruit to decide if he likes what he is selling. obviously there isn't a whole lot of difference between a top 20 and a top 30, but when a recruit is on the fence small things can be the difference. if you argue this you're doing it just to argue