you're right, that's my mistake. i guess i just struggled for the right word. i was reaching to say that these leftover choices were the ones that were not at all based on anything like athletics, legacies, donations, etc. i certainly agree that even the athletes who were tipped (or 'protected,' as someone else pointed out) were legitimate candidates -- i myself have two friends who got in ED who were likely tipped athletes, and both are very bright in their own right. this is williams, after all; they're not taking just anybody who can throw a football.
i'm sorry, i didn't mean to offend anyone.