The Next...?: 20 Superstar Child-Athletes and Who They Might Become

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Ah, yes, talented child-athletes. The Youtube phenomenon of posting your wunderchild has reached a national fervor.

What follows is a list (With Video!) of 20 child athletes and 20 pro athletes we think they will turn out to emulate, as long as they keep off the juice and out of the way of those pesky recruiting violations.

See if you agree with my projections.

This, for the record, is why I want 10 sons.

The Next Alexander Ovechkin?

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 08: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals warms up before the game against the New York Rangers at the Verizon Center on October 8, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

This kid's incredible goal was, of course, the inspiration for this article.

As a matter of fact, Alexander Ovechkin got on a spaceship and returned to his home planet after seeing this goal (see below).

The Capitals are currently seeking interplanetary arbitration rights.

The Next Herschel Walker?

This kid trucks the competition. He reminds me of Herschel Walker blasting Bill Bates.

Don't worry: Houston Nutt is already recruiting him.

And hey! Drowning Pool! Long time since you heard them, right?

The Next Muggsy Bogues?

Just kidding, this kid is already taller.

The Next Kris Draper/Claude Lemieux?

They edit out the part where the next Patrick Roy skates over and punches everybody out.

The Next Barry Sanders?

This fella reminds me of Sanders, since his touchdown celebration involves him just standing in the endzone for a few seconds before handing the ball to the ref.

And his cut up inside the pursuing safety is Sanders-esque, no question.

The Next Reggie Miller?

INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 13: Reggie Miller #31 of the Indiana Pacers takes the last shot of the game against the Detroit Pacers in Game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at Conseco Fieldhouse on May 13, 2005 in Indianapoli

At the sound of this three going in, Spike Lee broke into a clammy sweat...

The Next Willie Mays?

This kid tracks the ball down as good as good hands Mays.

I would also accept him being the next Willie "Mays" Hayes, as long as Wesley Snipes plays him in the made-for-tv movie.

The Next Vince Young?

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 3: Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans looks on against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason NFL game at LP Field on September 3, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans beat the Packers 27-13. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty

Who am I kidding? VY was never this good at throwing on the run.

In fact, this kid's coaches benched him in favor of a 42-year old junior who'd flunked 30 straight years of seventh grade.

The Next Ray Lewis?

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 4: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore takes breather against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

That's what the Youtubers are billing him as.

Then again, they're probably also the people responsible for the thought bubbles.

The Next Ray Allen?

BOSTON - MAY 17: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics walks off the court after the loss to the Orlando Magic in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on May 17, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts.

After hitting all those threes, this kid was congratulated by his tall lanky friend from Minnesota and their burly small forward who breaks all the rules.

The Next Reggie Bush?

As long as he stays away from the agents, this kid could be a great college player, and go on to underperform at the professional level, just like the Bushman.