Legacies can be important in recruiting. Having family members who competed in college or pro sports may make it easier for players to follow in their footsteps and have success of their own.

Northwestern hit the athletic bloodline lottery with Jonah Hayes. The three-star defensive end from Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller who just committed to the Wildcats on Sunday doesn't just have a father who played in the NFL; he has a family full of next-level athletes.

His mother played college basketball and his sister is heading into her final season of college hoops herself. His oldest brother is in the NBA, and the middle brother is also in college football right now. The family home might as well be a locker room.

Hayes, however, decided to blaze his own trail when he committed to the Wildcats. When he picked Northwestern over fellow finalist Virginia, he turned down a chance to play with his older brother, Jewett, who is an incoming freshman for the Cavaliers.

It wasn't easy, said Jonah, but he's confident that Northwestern was the better fit for him. Find out why in this WildcatReport premium story for subscribers only. Not a WildcatReport subscriber? Sign up today!