20 most hyped college football recruits of all-time
By Dustin Hull
12. Emmitt Smith
For as incredible of a recruiting hotbed as the state of Florida is, there was a time when Emmitt Smith was a head above the rest.
He set numerous state high school records, compiling over 100 touchdowns, 8,800 rushing yards, and 45 100-yard performances at Escambia High. He is still considered by many to be the greatest high school player in Florida’s history and is certainly one of the top few running backs to ever play at three different levels.
Not only was Smith the USA Today and Parade high school player of the year in 1986, but he also was recognized years later as Florida’s “Player of the Century”. Even with all the awards and lofty hopes for Smith, he had his share of critics as well. Recruiters constantly went back and forth over whether he was too small or not, or if he had enough speed for the next phase of his career.
Whether good or bad, Smith was the talk of the 1986 class and likely the most hyped player of the decade aside from Marcus Dupree. Even what he was wearing on national signing day was a big deal. Smith wore red and black, which brought on the frenzy that he was going to play for Tom Osbourne and Nebraska. It was thought that the Cornhuskers had beaten out Auburn for Smith’s services, until Smith got on stage and said, “Well, I’m wearing Nebraska colors, I guess I will be going to the University of Florida.”
As you can imagine, an even bigger in-state frenzy ensued after that last bit.
Next: Tim Couch