20 most hyped college football recruits of all-time

Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) after the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) after the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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20. Eli Manning

He won’t be the last Manning to make this list, but Eli was quite a hot commodity in his own right. And just imagine having to live up the hype of not only a successful father in the sport but also an MVP brother.

But so was the life of Eli Manning, who owned Louisiana just as his brother did in high school and found himself likewise on top of every big-time recruiter’s wish list. After throwing for more yards than even his big brother did in high school, the youngest Manning was considering a bevy of southern teams, including Texas, Florida, and Georgia. But Ole Miss and Tennessee seemed the favorites, and the Volunteers were fervent in their pursuit.

But then Peyton Manning’s old offensive coordinator, David Cutcliffe, received the head coaching job at Ole Miss, and it was then clear where Eli would go. “The Grove” would be rocking one more, and the biggest recruit in team history was the reason why. Eli would have a successful college career, and though he’s been at times erratic in the NFL, he’s got two rings that can never be taken away from him.

Little bro didn’t do half-bad.

Next: Terrelle Pryor