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Marcus Dupree was offered $250,000 and an oil well

Courtesy of USA Today Images
Marcus Dupree

Marcus Dupree, who ESPN’s 30 for 30 profiled as “The Best That Never Was,” appeared on Highly Questionable (which is hosted by Dan LeBatard and Bomani Jones) and shared stories of his crazy recruitment.

Schools from all over the country lined up to sign the unbelievable running back, and a couple unnamed programs offered Dupree some jaw-dropping rewards in exchange for his signature. The two most amazing options were $250,000 per year and an oil well.

An oil well!

Dupree attended high school in Mississippi, where he exploded onto the recruiting scene after racking up 2,550 rushing yards and 34 total touchdowns as a junior. The next season, he amassed 2,955 yards and 36 total scores.

In fact, Dupree’s 87 combined touchdowns broke a national high school record previously held by NFL legend Herschel Walker.

Dupree initially committed to Texas but eventually flipped to Oklahoma. The gifted runner immediately shined for the Sooners, tallying 1,393 yards and 12 touchdowns during his freshman campaign in 1982.

However, his downfall started between the end of the regular season and Dupree’s appearance in the 1983 Fiesta Bowl. Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer blasted Dupree for showing up out of shape. Nevertheless, he still broke the Fiesta Bowl record with 249 rushing yards.

Then Dupree’s collegiate career came to a shocking halt. Injuries derailed most of his sophomore season, and shortly after deciding to transfer to Southern Miss, Dupree left school altogether. He later played two unsuccessful years each in the USFL and NFL.

Dupree really might be “The Best That Never Was.” But, not that it’s any consolation to him, Dupree has two of the greatest recruiting pitches ever revealed.

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