I'm only guessing, but I think you're right about him not knowing who you are, as email communications don't always reflect specific situations.
Ages ago on a different account, I was the NCOY at McNeese St. Next recruiting season, I called a 5-star in hometown Lake Charles, LA. He didn't know who I was. Really? There was no buzz about our deep NT run in the area? We never did camps in the area? I was never on TV? Admin admitted, OK, he'd know who I was, but that he'd still go to more prestigious program. OK, then reflect that in the recruit's email. But, no. It doesn't happen.
I think the argument would go "you're his favorite school, but only from a rooting-for standpoint. He's still going to Kentucky or UCLA."