Interesting coincidence K, I was on MaxPreps earlier today for the first time in as long as I can remember. Something led me to SI and I saw MaxPreps and clicked.
First, you're right, it's all guess work. However, I have to say, Lemming is way, way different from other services in his rankings. He has our Jeremy Richardson as the #2 WR in the country and #39 overall. He also still shows Eric Mack committed to South Carolina. His lists seem to be "out there" compared to others. Not just to other services, but compared to what coaches obviously think as evidenced by their offers and pursuit of certain players.
Richardson the #2 WR in the country, but no offer from Florida, Georgia, Florida State, Arkansas, Ole Miss, etc. He lists Whitaker as the #18 DT and doesn't have Thornton in the top 25.
Anyway, he could be more accurate than everyone else, but when you compare him to what coaches seem to think, he's stretching on some guys to say the least.