It's simply about the numbers,,,,,,specifically the depth. I played NCAA DII football in Northern Ohio. We had quite a few players from Mentor HS, Ignatius and St. Ed's. Most of these guys started for only one year, but where talented enough to play at a scholarship level in college. That means that you have outstanding high school players working the scout team for two years before their time to shine. That pushes everyone in a program, the extra competition for playing time and outstanding competition when the scout team goes against the first team.
That's when the numbers count,,,and you can't discount the importance of this. When size meets talent and depth you now have a program.