2014 Big Ten Commitments Who Could Decommit Before National Signing Day

The Big Ten is a competitive conference full of great tradition. Recruits who grow up in the Midwest aspire to play in the league, as it is one of the best in college football.

The Big Ten will bring in another class of great recruits in February, but some who are committed to play for one of its schools could choose a different path. A running back may opt not to headline a Big Ten school's recruiting class, while a big defensive tackle could choose to play in the SEC.

Also, Notre Dame could pluck a talented defensive player from a Big Ten school.

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

Trai Mosley, CB

Committed to: Nebraska

An underrated 3-star recruit, Trai Mosley has a chance to develop into a complete cornerback at the next level. At 5'10" and 171 pounds, Mosley has the athleticism and instincts to play well in man coverage.

Nebraska is trying hard to keep him committed, but Big Red may ultimately fail. That is because Baylor and Oklahoma are doing all they can to flip the talented cornerback, according to Bob Przybylo of Sooners Illustrated (subscription required). 

Mosley is still committed to the Cornhuskers, but it may be an upset if he signs with them in February. 

Connor Mayes, OL

Committed to: Minnesota

Connor Mayes is a 3-star offensive lineman who will likely play guard in college. He has great size at 6'5" and 320 pounds, plus Mayes displays excellent strength at the point of attack.

Minnesota earned his pledge in June, as his brother Alex plays for the Gophers. However, according to Jeremy Clark of HornedFrogBlitz.com (subscription required), TCU still is in the mix. The Texas native has also visited Oklahoma this fall, per 247Sports.

Mayes' recruitment clearly is not over. 

Drue Tranquill, S/OLB

Committed to: Purdue

An athletic 3-star recruit from Indiana, Drue Tranquill can play receiver or linebacker at 6'2" and 210 pounds. However, his best position may be strong safety, as Tranquill has good athletic ability and a solid burst to the ball.

He committed to Purdue in July, but Notre Dame has not given up. In fact, Tranquill is still deciding between the Boilermakers and Fighting Irish, reports Chris Emma of Boiler Sports Report (subscription required). Notre Dame hosted him for a visit in October, says 247Sports. 

Do not be shocked if Tranquill ultimately decides to play in South Bend. 

Craig Evans, DT

247Sports

Committed to: Wisconsin

Craig Evans is a 4-star defensive tackle who has a good skill set. At 6'3" and 305 pounds, Evans comes out of his stance quickly to get on top of blockers at the point of attack. He can drop an anchor in the middle to make a mess, plus he's capable of pushing the pocket to get to the passer.

Evans is perhaps the best player in Wisconsin's recruiting class, but he is only listed as a "soft" commitment, per 247Sports. That is due to the persistence of Michigan State and Arkansas, according to 247Sports. 

It would be a mild surprise if Evans did not end up in Madison, but stay tuned. 

Jeff Jones, RB

Committed to: Minnesota

Minnesota's top commitment is 4-star running back Jeff Jones. The Minneapolis native combines a blend of speed and strength on a 5'11", 196-pound frame. 

Jones committed to the Gophers in March, but the strength of his pledge is questionable. He is listed as a "soft" commitment by 247Sports, which also lists Iowa State, Kentucky, Notre Dame and Florida State as schools of interest for Jones. 

The Gophers are going to have to work hard to keep Jones home, as he is still wanted by several programs. 

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

The 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map is a tool for recruiting fans to use to locate the nation's premier prospects through February!

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.