It’s almost Spring and March Madness is about to take the country by storm. Office pools, brackets and riveting winner take all basketball will be in full force. For high school senior basketball stars, it’s a window to the future and their college aspirations. At this time next year, many of them will be leading their teams to the NCAA tournament and competing for the ultimate prize.

Ranking high school recruits is not an exact science. Well, if you compare ranking high school recruits to how NFL players are scrutinized, it isn’t very scientific. On the morning of April 27th 2012, Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay would have helped determine the fate of the first 32 picks of the NFL Draft. Similarly, the likes of ESPN, Rivals.com and Scout.com compile rankings and analysis of high school recruits. The particular ranking of a recruit can significantly improve or reduce that player’s stock and be the difference between Division I, DII, DIII or less.

After redshirting last season, former Serra High star quarterback Conner Preston is primed to make a big impact for the SMU Mustangs in 2012. With J..J. McDermott graduating and Kyle Padron transferring, the starting quarterback position is Preston’s for the taking. The expected arrival of former Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert in June should raise the competition but we anticipate Preston seizing the reigns under center.