Top 7 Biggest Enigmas in the 2014 College Football Recruiting Class

As the recruiting cycle has moved forward, some prospects have become more familiar to recruiting fans than others who have been enigmas. Some recruits just do not have much film available, while others are simply less open about their recruitment with the media.

Whatever the case may be, the 2014 recruiting class has several mystery prospects.

A quarterback is regarded as one of the best in the nation but has yet to complete a full season as a starter. A receiver appears to be polished, but his production says otherwise, while a defensive tackle's listed size needs to be verified for once for all, as it is hard to believe.

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

 

Solomon Thomas, DL

Solomon Thomas is an enigma not because of his skills on the field, but because of the status of his recruitment. At this stage of a recruiting cycle, most uncommitted recruits have an idea of who their top schools are, where they would like to visit and some even have a solid idea of where they will sign.

Thomas, on the other hand, still is a wide open recruit, says ESPNU (subscription required). Picking a favorite or predicting where Thomas will sign is basically a shot in the dark.

A great cloud of mystery is hovering around Thomas' recruitment. 

Sam Hubbard, ATH

Recruits who receive the athlete label are usually smaller players who have great versatility on the perimeter of the field. 

So Sam Hubbard being labeled an athlete at 6'6", 225 pounds has to make him a bit of an enigma. The term "jumbo athlete" is starting to make its way into recruiting, as Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla is a great example of a college player who had that title as a recruit.

Hubbard, who can play tight end, outside linebacker and defensive end, also has earned that title. With his size, solid athleticism and potential, it will be interesting to track his career at Ohio State. 

Treon Harris, QB/CB/ATH

Florida State is taking a gamble on Treon Harris, as the Miami native will play his college ball in Tallahassee. Harris is currently a dual-threat quarterback, but at 5'11" he lacks ideal size for the position.

Harris' athleticism, speed and quickness all project to cornerback, but he has limited experience playing the position. Receiver could also be an option for Harris, but he also has never spent extensive time at that position.

Harris has the makings of a boom-or-bust prospect at any position he plays. 

Matt Elam, DT

When initially looking at Matt Elam's listed size, it is common for one to be in shock.

Elam is said to be a massive 6'6" and 350 pounds, which is nearly unheard of for an NFL player, let alone a high school prospect.

His size makes him an enigma in this 2014 recruiting class, because it is hard to believe a recruit is that large. Perhaps Elam is closer to 6'3" and 320 pounds, but his listed size puts him in the enigma category until it is properly verified for good.  

David Sharpe, OT

David Sharpe rapidly rose up the recruiting rankings as his film made its way around the recruiting trail. He received no offers before or during his junior season (according to 247Sports), which is not a sign of an elite recruit.

Sharpe is an enigma because it remains to be seen if he is just a highlight tape sensation, or a consistent blocker who was just overlooked. 

Malachi Dupre, WR

Watching Malachi Dupre on tape, a smooth, big and quick receiver who runs crisp routes is seen. Before studying his stats as a junior, based on his film, one could assume Dupre caught more than 70 passes for more than 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.

However, Dupre only caught 36 passes as a junior, and only three as a sophomore. His high school offense does not throw the ball often, so Dupre has had limited game reps, which has hindered his production.

It's a bit of a mystery as to why Dupre is so highly regarded without producing big numbers. 

Morgan Mahalak, QB

Morgan Mahalak is easily the biggest enigma in the 2014 recruiting class. He earned and accepted an offer from Oregon, as well as an invite to the Elite 11 Finals without being a starting quarterback in high school.

Mahalak does have some film available of him playing the position, and he does show solid traits for success. But playing quarterback is as unique an experience as there is in sports, and for him to have received the honors he has without being a starting field general for a season makes him a huge mystery.

Mahalak has a lot to prove before he gets to Oregon. 

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.