2014 College Football Recruits Who Will Be Future Big Ten Football Stars

Recruits who grow up in the Midwest dream of playing in the Big Ten. Whether it's at Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State or Purdue, it's a special league to play in.

While the Big Ten has its fair share of stars today, the stars of tomorrow will soon enter the conference looking to make their presence felt.

Big Blue has a commitment from a stud athlete who has the passion to be great. Wisconsin has a pledge from a quarterback who could be the next Russell Wilson, while the Buckeyes have a pair of speedsters coming to Columbus to make plays.

Note: This list focuses on committed prospects.

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

Ian Bunting, TE

247Sports

Committed to: Michigan

At 6'6" and 210 pounds, Ian Bunting is a tight end from Illinois who plays more like a receiver.

He is at his best when he is flexed to the slot or perimeter, as his value comes in the passing game.

Bunting is a solid athlete who has good quickness for his size. He shows good movement skills when the ball is in the air, plus he has great hands. The 4-star tight end should become a star in Ann Arbor to due to the various ways he can be used on offense, plus he's going to score a touchdown or two.

Dante Booker, OLB

Committed to: Ohio State

Dante Booker is an athletic 4-star outside linebacker who will be a star at Ohio State. He has the ability to play on all three downs, as his speed and quickness allow him to factor in coverage.

Booker, who is 6'3" and 212 pounds, has great range on flanks. He can shoot inside to fill gaps to challenge running backs at the line of scrimmage, plus he has the lateral agility to sift through trash across the box.

The Ohio native may never come off the field for the Buckeyes. 

D.J. Gillins, QB

247Sports

Committed to: Wisconsin

Hailing from Florida, 4-star quarterback D.J. Gillins will quickly learn what playing in the Big Ten is all about in Madison. Although he's still raw in some areas, Gillins is a talented passer who is 6'3" and 185 pounds.

He has good quickness in his drops, plus he can drive the football with authority when he properly sets his feet. Gillins also has the mobility to make throws on the run thanks to his ability to make plays with his legs. 

His athleticism will add a new dimension to the quarterback position at Wisconsin, which should make him a star. 

Sam Hubbard, ATH

Committed to: Ohio State

At 6'6" and 225 pounds, Sam Hubbard can play an array of different positions. However, outside linebacker may be where his career begins in Columbus.

Hubbard is a solid athlete who has deceptive agility for such a tall player. He displays good ball skills, plus he possesses impressive straight-line speed.

Hubbard's length, awareness and athleticism should allow him to impact the game in several different ways, which will surely bring him some notoriety during the 4-star prospect's tenure with the Buckeyes.

DeAndre Thompkins, WR

Committed to: Penn State

Although he could play defensive back, DeAndre Thompkins is a better fit in Happy Valley as a receiver. The Nittany Lions need more firepower on the perimeter for stud quarterback Christian Hackenberg, and the 4-star North Carolina athlete could provide that and then some.

At 6'0" and 170 pounds, Thompkins has great speed and athleticism to menace secondaries. He possesses great ball skills, evidenced by his ability to use his mitts to cleanly catch passes. Thompkins has a quick upfield transfer, which helps his run-after-catch skills.

He could be a star for Penn State by the end of next season. 

Curtis Samuel, ATH

Committed to: Ohio State

Hailing from Brooklyn, Curtis Samuel will come to Columbus with the mindset of putting New York City on the college football map. He is among the most electric players in the country with the ball in his hands.

At 6'0" and 185 pounds, Samuel is a quicker-than-fast athlete who can play running back and receiver. He can slash through alleys as a runner while also having the ability to skate away from defenders at junctions when running routes.

Samuel also can return punts and kicks on special teams. His quickness, speed and versatility will make him a star in the Buckeyes' spread-option offense. 

Bryan Mone, DT

Committed to: Michigan

There's no reason why 4-star defensive tackle Bryan Mone should not be a beast in Ann Arbor. He's too big and powerful to not be a star early in his career.

At 6'4" and 338 pounds, Mone flashes explosive quickness at the snap. He does a solid job of attempting to use his hands, but his strength and power are his main assets. Mone plays big at the point of attack before shedding his opponent to pursue the ball.

He can clog holes in the trenches or be asked to shoot gaps to make plays. It would be disappointing if Mone didn't become a star for the Wolverines.

Parris Campbell, ATH

Committed to: Ohio State

Parris Campbell is another 4-star athlete in Ohio State's class who can play running back and receiver.

The Ohio native will play a similar role to what Percy Harvin did for head coach Urban Meyer during their days at Florida.

Campbell, who is 6'0" and 184 pounds, has incredible speed. He's lethal in a straight line, plus he can shake defenders in the open field. The Buckeyes would be wise to allow him to touch the ball as a runner and receiver several times each game.

Jabrill Peppers, ATH

Committed to: Michigan

Jabrill Peppers is a 5-star athlete from New Jersey who has already become somewhat of a legend for Michigan. At 6'1" and 205 pounds, he may be the most versatile player in the country.

Peppers is an exceptional athlete who also has rare instincts and awareness. He can play running back, cornerback, receiver, safety, outside linebacker and return kicks and punts.

All players have weaknesses, but Peppers doesn't have many. If he's not a star by his sophomore season in Ann Arbor, then something is wrong. 

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

Many of the future stars in the Big Ten can be located by using the famous 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map!

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.