Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, October 8, 2014

It is no secret that the Big Ten had plenty of highly touted recruits heading into the year. Jabrill Peppers (Michigan), Sam Hubbard (Ohio State) and Malik McDowell (Michigan State) were five-star recruits, according to scout.com.

But, which members of the 2014 recruiting class are off to the best starts? Check out my top 10 true freshman stars through the opening six weeks below. For the sake of comparison, I included the Big Ten's top 10 2014 recruits, according to scout.com, at the bottom of the post.

TOP TRUE FRESHMAN STARS THROUGH SIX WEEKS

[btn-post-package]

1. Mike Dudek, WR, Illinois
National Rank: N/R (No. 72 ranked wide receiver)
Star Rating: 3-star
2014 stats: 33 rec., 539 yards, 3 TD; fumble recovery for TD

2. Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern
National Rank: 116 (No. 15 ranked running back)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: 396 rushing yards, 2 TD, 7 catches, 52 yards

3. Ju'Whaun Bentley, LB, Purdue
National Rank: N/R (No. 35 ranked middle linebacker)
Star Rating: 3-star
2014 stats: 35 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery

4. De'Mornay Pierson-El, WR/PR, Nebraska
National Rank: N/R (No. 91 ranked wide receiver)
Star Rating: 3-star
2014 stats: 19 punt returns, 334 yards, 2 TD; 3 kickoff returns, 36 yards; 3 rec., 9 yards, 1 TD

5. Curtis Samuel, RB, Ohio State
National Rank: 60 (No. 9 ranked wide receiver)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: 192 rushing yards, 2TD, 6 catches, 52 yards

6. Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
National Rank: 50 (No. 5 ranked middle linebacker)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: 15 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception

7. Montae Nicholson, S, Michigan State
National Rank: 204 (No. 20 ranked safety)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: 15 tackles, 1 fumble recovery

8. Mason Cole, OT, Michigan
National Rank: 253 (No. 18 ranked offensive tackle)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: N/A

9. Lubern Figaro, DB, Wisconsin
National Rank: N/R (No. 44 ranked cornerback)
Star Rating: 3-star
2014 stats: 12 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble

10. J-Shun Harris II, WR, Indiana
National Rank: NR (No. 130 ranked wide receiver)
Star Rating: 3-star
2014 stats: 13 catches, 140 yards, 2 TD

***

HERE'S A LOOK AT THE TOP-RANKED FRESHMEN ENTERING 2014

1. Jabrill Peppers, DB, Michigan
National Rank: 3 (No. 1 ranked cornerback)
Star Rating: 5-star
2014 stats: 8 tackles, 1 punt return for 6 yards

2. Sam Hubbard, LB, Ohio State
National Rank: 29 (No. 2 ranked outside linebacker)
Star Rating: 5-star
2014 stats: No stats

3. Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
National Rank: 36 (No. 7 ranked defensive end)
Star Rating: 5-star
2014 stats: 7 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks

4. Damon Webb, DB, Ohio State
National Rank: 42 (No. 6 ranked cornerback)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: 1 tackle

5. Erick Smith, DB, Ohio State
National Rank: 43 (No. 4 ranked safety)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: 1 tackle, 1 interception

6. Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
National Rank: 50 (No. 5 ranked middle linebacker)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: 15 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception

7. Marshon Lattimore, DB, Ohio State
National Rank: 51 (No. 8 ranked cornerback)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: Redshirt

8. Drake Harris, WR, Michigan
National Rank: 52 (No. 8 ranked wide receiver)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: Redshirt

9. Damian Prince, OT, Maryland
National Rank: 59 (No. 5 ranked offensive tackle)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: No stats

10. Curtis Samuel, RB, Ohio State
National Rank: 60 (No. 9 ranked wide receiver)
Star Rating: 4-star
2014 stats: 192 rushing yards, 2 TD, 6 catches, 52 yards

*All rankings are according to scout.com.