Here are a couple of comments...
First, I don't get too caught up on rankings. Sure, the coaches look for talent. But, the coaches should look at the kid to see if he is willing to develop the talent. Need an example, look at Ryan Clady, the O-Lineman from BSU. He left after his junior year as a first round draft choice to play in the NFL. He is responsible for 1/2 of a sack as a starter for the Denver Broncos. He should have made, but just missed the Pro-Bowl. He came into Boise unhearlded and I believe Scout had him as a two star athlete.
Second, coaches have to be able to develop the player. Although it's similar to my first point, there's a difference.
Thirdly, I won't argue that Idaho lacks the number of "quality" high school kids when compared to Oregon, Washington and California. But there are Idaho kids that are elite, regardless of who they're compared with. Look at Bryan Johnson, a kid from Pocatello that played for years in the NFL. Merrill Hoge (sp?), also from Pocatello, a former Bengal I might add, started at Pittsburg. Another example, Kory Hall out of Glenns Ferry and his role at Green Bay. Jake Plummer from Boise. I can't remember the kid's first name, but there was a nasty kid out of Idaho Falls 20 years or so ago that played for the Tennesee Volunteers and went on to play at Tampa. I'm sure someone can name more, but my point is that Idaho has elite kids. Don't knock Idaho when it comes to raw football talent.