Via the January 14, 1993 Michigan Daily:
Indeed, “Payton” considered Michigan along with Florida and his dad’s alma mater Ole Miss before committing to Phil Fulmer at Tennessee right around signing day.
Bagging Manning put the Vols on top of most recruiting ratings for 1994, while Gary Moeller’s Michigan crew finished in the top three. Dreisbach was joined by commits Marcus Ray, Sam Sword, Clint Copenhaver, Jay Feely, Chris Floyd, and Jerame Tuman.
So how would have history changed had Manning selected Michigan? No idea, but I don’t think there are any regrets with either side. U-M of course took the ‘97 national title, Tennessee netted a Heisman runner-up :) and the BCS crown in ‘98.
Related: Hoover Street Rag explored the What If? Manning scenario back in March 2012.
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HT: Buddy from Stunt3 – thanks for sending this over.
One Comment
Teddy
If Manning selected Michigan? We probably had a good chance of winning back to back MNT’s. Just look at the 1996 schedule and tell me we could not have beaten Purdue, NW and Penn State with a junior Manning at QB. That 1997 team might be considered the best of all time. Just imagine that great defense with a senior Payton running the offense… WOW