10 Hyped Young Stars Who Have A Lot to Prove

Off the field, Ezekiel Elliott has been involved in offseason controversy. On the field, the hype is still real.

Pundits have dubbed him a pro-ready back who will flourish behind the Dallas Cowboys' talented offensive line and rush his way to the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Performing well in college and the preseason will do that—set the bar high, that is. And yet, the former Ohio State standout has yet to play a down in a professional game that counts. 

Elliott is not the only young athlete getting a lot of hype right now. Recent college grad Jimmy Vesey had NHL teams clamoring for his services in August, and 22-year-old UFC fighter Paige VanZant has achieved fame beyond her years.

What do these and the other seven athletes on this list have in common? 1. They are the subjects of big-time hype in their sports, and... 2. They haven't had the opportunity or sufficient time to prove themselves yet. Some have yet to play in a professional game, and others are simply young talents without a lot of experience under their belts.

As any sports fan knows, hype is one thing, and execution is another. Will all 10 of these athletes soar to great heights? Will they meet or exceed the surging expectations that have been placed upon them?

glean: bleacher