Before Ricks and Dixie ended there programs, SUU didn't have nearly the quality of recruits they have now. Many kids wanted to play FBS so they opted for JC but snow is the only one in the area for Utah, NV and ID kids now.
Also many of his staff are all now on FBS coaches. This was also an anomaly. SUU had a great team but that was far from the norm.
There are many kids that fall under the radar but to be so wrong about a prospect when his career is less than stellar shows lack of evaluation. It would be different if you choose someone that has numbers and hype but another when there's no hype and you still think there's potential.

Also Cowser wasn't a big recruit for them. They were only semi interested in him. They didn't pursue him very hard and it was the defensive line coach that really saw the talent.
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865652892/The-unlikely-powerhouse-How-SUU-came-away-with-three-NFL-Draft-prospects.html