I have never been a coach.
I was told while accompanying an SEC position coach (and later an SEC DC) on visits that the first question to find out, is the student athlete qualified, if not what is his academic "situation". They know if they can play but may not be positive if they can play at the level of their college.
How many running backs from NC each year get a D1 scholarship (FBS and FCS)? Many D2 schools do not offer at this time if the player appears to be a D1 quality back. I do not put much stock in D2 offers. They often do not get involved until they see how the process is going for a player or what his academic situation is.
I know Richmond had numerous backs with big numbers while Hoggard was there. Many were smaller players that were not D1 level or did not qualify academically at D1 schools. Some did not qualify at all.
Regarding the Shrine Bowl question. I do not think numbers are the biggest determining factor and often it is not talent but how the player fits into the system. I have been around the Shrine Bowl for many years and have watched players with big numbers or from heavy producing offenses struggle. Have seen DBs completely lost in pass coverage schemes both physically and mentally. The last few years it has been apparent in a couple of situations and have seen it going back for well over a decade. I can tell you the players from the larger classifications in the past seem to have less adjustment to make. Does not always mean they are better players but are much more accustomed to the caliber of opponent and teammate. Saw a running back that produced big numbers for a state champion while being a solid linebacker that signed with an ACC school get passed over for a 1A player that went D2. The 1A player also blocked a lot in his offense, play very good at linebacker with a little more quickness and outside ability, and regulary played three specialty teams while the other back played O and D only. All of that was important but the blocking part was what stood out as they wanted a big body to help with the two elite backs that would carry the ball.