Big-Name 2014 College Football Recruits Headed to Small Schools

While major programs such as Alabama, Ohio State, USC, Florida, Texas, Notre Dame, Michigan, LSU and Florida State get most of the top recruits every year, not every prospect aspires to play for a "big" school.

Recruits have to do what is best for them, on and off the field. Some who have offers from major programs want to play a certain position in college, but only a smaller school is willing to give them a chance at that particular spot. Other recruits fly under the radar of the powerful schools, but become studs at small programs.

Western Michigan has a commitment from a solid 3-star safety, while a talented linebacker is headed to Louisiana-Lafayette. Plus, UCF is getting a quarterback with a high ceiling.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals and 247Sports.

Deandre Murray, ATH

Committed to: Tulsa

Deandre Murray is a 3-star athlete from Arkansas who has the talent of a 4-star recruit. He doesn't seem strong or powerful at 5'11" and 175 pounds, but he plays bigger than his listed size.

Murray likely will play running back for Tulsa. He has the quickness to skate through alleys, but he displays shocking ability to absorb hits to stay on his feet for such a light runner. Murray also has good speed to make big plays.

The Golden Hurricane football program is getting a steal. 

Anthony Davis, DB

247Sports

Committed to: Temple (soft, according to 247Sports)

At 5'11" and 180 pounds, Anthony Davis is a 3-star defensive back who can play cornerback or safety. The latter is probably his best position, as he lacks the ability to consistently mirror quick receivers on the perimeter.

However, Davis has great range and vision in the seams. He has a knack for reading the eyes of the quarterback, plus he shows a good burst out of transition. Davis is not afraid to support the run, as he's willing to squeeze the line of scrimmage from the third level.

If Temple can hold on to him, the Pennsylvania native could make an early impact. 

Shareef White, OLB

247Sports

Committed to: Louisiana-Lafayette 

If 3-star linebacker Shareef White were 6'2", he would be considered a high-end 4-star recruit. However, he is just under 6'0" and weighs 219 pounds.

White, who is from Mississippi, has good read-and-react skills to challenge running plays. He doesn't waste too much time processing information after the snap, plus he has the strength to punch blockers in the mouth before shedding them to make tackles.

White can press the pocket as a blitzer, plus he displays the athleticism needed to hold his own in coverage. The Ragin' Cajuns will absolutely love this guy.   

Lonnie Johnson, S

247Sports

Committed to: Western Michigan

Lonnie Johnson, who was once committed to Ohio State, is a 3-star recruit from Indiana who can play receiver or safety.

At 6'3" and 190 pounds, Johnson's game is based on athleticism and ball skills. He builds into his speed some, but the Western Michigan commit has deceptive quickness. Johnson is fantastic in space, evidenced by his ability to launch out of transition when playing safety.

His athleticism and hands are also on display when he adjusts to different throws as a receiver. The Buckeyes will be thinking "what if" in a few years. 

Tyler Harris, QB

Committed to: UCF

Debate amongst yourselves if UCF is a "small" school or not, but just know the Knights are getting a good quarterback in 3-star prospect Tyler Harris.

Sure, Harris needs to work on his footwork. He also needs to find a way to clean up his release. However, the Georgia native has impressive arm strength and deceptive mobility. Harris sees the field well, plus he can attack any level of the defense.

UCF will consider itself lucky when Harris begins to perform well in a few seasons. 

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.