Uncommitted 2015 Recruits Sure to Leave Big Ten Country for SEC Football

The main heartbeat of the Big Ten's recruiting trail goes through the Midwest. States in the region make up "Big Ten Country," but SEC football powerhouses are not afraid to pluck players from this area.

While Big Ten studs such as Ohio State and Michigan do all they can to keep top recruits close to home, several 2015 prospects appear to be eyeing leaving the Midwest to play in the SEC.

A 5-star defensive end from Illinois may head to Missouri, while Florida is trying to sign a 4-star athlete from Ohio. Speaking of Ohio, both Alabama and Auburn are on the trail of one of the state's 4-star running backs.

Anthony McKee, LB

Credit: 247Sports

State: Ohio

Hailing from Columbus, Anthony McKee is an undersized 4-star linebacker from Ohio. It doesn't appear Ohio State is a main option for him, as 247Sports shows Big Ten programs such as Michigan State and Wisconsin as top suitors.

However, the 6'2", 190-pounder also is digging Kentucky. The Wildcats would surely put McKee's speed and range to use, perhaps even in the secondary as a safety.

Alex Ofodile, WR

Credit: 247Sports

State: Missouri

Although Missouri may not have a school in the Big Ten, the state still is frequented by coaches from the conference on a consistent basis.

That is why 4-star receiver Alex Ofodile is on this list. Ohio State and Michigan State both want the 6'3", 185-pounder, per 247Sports.

However, it would be surprising of the Columbia native did not sign with University of Missouri.

Larry Scott, RB

Credit: 247Sports

State: Ohio

A 4-star running back, Larry Scott has a solid blend of power and speed. He can shoot upfield well with a solid burst in a straight line, plus he possesses good strength to break tackles.

At 6'0", he looks bigger than the 205 pounds he is listed at. The Ohio native has Michigan State and Ohio State hot after him, per 247Sports, but Alabama and Auburn also are in the mix. 

The Crimson Tide and Tigers do not lose many recruiting battles in the Midwest.

Jerome Baker, ATH

Credit: 247Sports

State: Ohio

From Cleveland, 4-star athlete Jerome Baker is one of the nation's top recruits. At 6'1" and 205 pounds, he can impact football games as a running back or outside linebacker.

He has great movement skills, plus he has impressive short-area quickness. Ohio State is doing all it can to lure him to Columbus, but the SEC is also calling Baker's name.

Florida and Tennessee are major players for him, per 247Sports.

Terry Beckner Jr., DE

Credit: 247Sports

State: Illinois

Terry Beckner Jr. is a 5-star defensive end who would fit in well in the SEC. At 6'4" and 293 pounds, he also has the ability to kick inside to defensive tackle.

The Illinois native has SEC schools such as LSU and Missouri heavy on his mind, according to 247Sports. However, keep an eye on Big Ten programs such as Michigan and Ohio State.

Beckner told Justin Rowland of TigerBait.com (subscription required) on March 25, "I want to play in the SEC. That's where the best competition is at so that's where I'd want to play."

All recruiting ratings and rankings are from 247Sports' Composite Rankings. Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals and 247Sports.

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.