[EKUAlum05]

^^^
To add something... most of the elite talents who are capable of playing up will usually be the same talents who will see playing time as underclassmen at the HS level.

To have that year in Middle School...and usually a year on JV as a Freshman where they play with guys older than them and build chemistry will ultimately best prepare them for varsity football as well.

When Player X is asked as a Sophomore to take on the Juniors and Seniors from a Wayne County, Johnson Central, etc it will be second nature. By contrast if Player X has only played the people his age by the time he is called as Sophomore to step into varsity action it will be an adjustment.

You need not look past belfry's State Championship last year to see evidence that the system works. The Pirates started 5 Freshman in last year's 3A Finals and they made huge plays.