How does Luke/Iowa Preps pick key performers or players to feature?

[westside rules]

I am puzzled how Luke post the players names for various recognition like "weeks best performers" or "Best linemen in the class of X" ( this is on the paid side of Iowa Preps) Or how players are highlighted on the home page?
I go to games every week and see some outstanding players have unbelievable nights yet they are never highlighted of mentioned.

When I see the Luke posting "Top Players in the class if 2017 or 2018" it really makes me scratch my head, I am not saying they are not deserving however I see really really good players that are leading the state in some meaningful stats not get even a mention. So who determines if a player is a top player in the class of 201X... is it the coaches?

If anyone knows how Luke gets this data to post it would be appreciated.

 

[LukeFeddersen]

Trying to answer a few different questions here.

Q How is a player recognized on top performers (A weekly feature during the FB season)
Example: https://iowapreps.rivals.com/news/iowa-s-top-football-performers-7
A We search a wide variety of newspapers throughout the state, twitter, and readers submit them as well. On each post, there is an add top performers now so if athletes/coaches/families don't, that is up to them.

Q How are players highlighted on the home page
A The key is finding contact information for them. Sometimes I can contact the athletes via twitter, sometimes coaches contact me, and other times the parents contact me over email. If a top athlete is not being covered in a front page article (example: https://iowapreps.rivals.com/news/huisenga-has-in-state-attention), there may be a variety of reasons why. We have a lot of athletes who want to be covered but some just flat out don't. When that is the case, I know there are a variety of others who want to be covered.

Q How are players rated
A It is a variety of in-season performance, recruiting, what I've seen in person, what I've seen on video, and potential at the next level. I get feedback frequently from high school coaches. You mentioned that leading a state in a category is important but in my opinion, a 5-10, 185 lb defensive end leading the state in sacks will not be rated higher for an athlete who has less sacks but has more sought after size at 6-3, 225 lbs. You are welcome to email feedback/thoughts on my rankings to Luke@IowaHS.com. If you do, I would reccomend talking about the positives of an athlete instead of ripping on others. Just a better way to go about it.

Any other questions, just email me.