It works just like you said! Took a while to get my 4-star OLB to lock me out. The 2nd place team was -140 behind and I ended up -70 behind after removing the lock! With 700 points/week I was #1 the next week and he committed the week after. Only one recruit though..
I guess next season I should target guys with a 2nd place team within a few hundred points, maybe I can get 2-3 a season if I plan it right?