The Biggest Takeaways from Georgia's Recruits Performance at the Opening

With Student Sports' Brian Stumpf indicating that 14 players from the state of Georgia were in attendance at The Opening, the Georgia Bulldogs were among the teams who had several prospects of interest participating in last week’s event.

Between 5-star commitments in quarterback Jacob Eason and defensive tackle Julian Rochester, the Bulldogs were represented by two of the nation’s top prospects at their respective positions.

However, several players who remain uncommitted are high on the board of head coach Mark Richt and his staff.

Which players emerged as must-gets for Richt and what are the main storylines for Georgia moving forward?

Let’s take a look at some of the main themes involving the Bulldogs from The Opening.

Eason Has Up-and-Down Moments

Given that he carried the mantle of being the nation’s top-rated passer heading into the event, perhaps no player came to Oregon under more pressure than Eason.

There were flashes of brilliance from the 6’5”, 205-pounder during which he looked ready to validate that rating.

Early in the week, he appeared to be one of the favorites to win the Elite 11 MVP.

However, as the seven-on-seven portion began later in the week, Eason was largely on the sidelines as Team Fly Rush chose to play 4-star and current Texas commitment Shane Buechele.

As noted by Barton Simmons of 247Sports, the lack of opportunity for Eason later in the week doesn’t change the fact that he’s one of the most talented passers in the country.

Despite his struggles last week, Eason still managed to do some recruiting for the Bulldogs.

His main focus was finding some targets to throw to for when he gets to Athens.

“I’d say my top two are Demetris Robertson and Kyle Davis because they are on my team [Fly Rush],” Eason said. “But also, Mecole Hardman. He’s not on my team, but I’ll be working on him.”

WR Targets Shine

While Eason’s week didn’t go as smoothly as most expected, the trio of prospects he mentioned—Davis, Robertson and Hardman—had strong showings.

The 6’1 ½”, 218-pound Davis was named the MVP of the seven-on-seven tournament:

Davis showcased the ability to high-point the ball in the air and also some shiftiness in the open field despite being a bigger receiver.

Auburn and Tennessee join Georgia as schools who are making a strong push for Davis. However, despite Eason’s pitch, Davis remains open to all suitors.

“Everybody is coming at me about the same,” Davis said. “I’ve probably thrown with every quarterback out here. They are trying to get me. They are all my friends. I’m obviously open. I have no leader right now. I’m just doing my thing right now.”

Robertson, who had a strong showing despite dealing with a strained back, said that a pair of 4-star passers in Stanford commit KJ Costello and Maryland pledge Dwayne Haskins joined Eason in lobbying to get him on board.

However, the speedy 4-star athlete said he plans to wait until signing day, with five schools currently standing out to him.

“Stanford, Georgia, Alabama, FSU and Ohio State are my top five right now,” Robertson said.

On the other hand, Hardman—who was one of the main cogs that helped Team Lunar Beast win the seven-on-seven tournament—showcased his versatility by making plays on defense this week.

The 5’10”, 175-pounder displayed great burst and change of direction, as well as the ability to break on the ball in a hurry as a corner.

He said that he is open to playing on either side of the ball at the next level but admits the thought of teaming up with Eason intrigues him.

“Jacob Eason [is a] guy who is great with the ball in his hands,” Hardman said. “He’s a leader on and off the field and I have the utmost respect for him. I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks out here. To play with him would be great because you know he’s going to do great things.”

Warrior Makes Case as Nation’s Best Safety

While Hardman opened some eyes with his play on defense, a fellow in-state defender may have edged him out as the top overall defensive back at the event.

No corner or safety was able to get his hands on more passes last week than 4-star safety Nigel Warrior.

The 5’11”, 188-pounder racked up five interceptions and several additional pass breakups en route to being named the MVP of the defensive backs segment.

Warrior flashed great instincts, ball awareness and the type of range that few safety prospects exhibit in this setting.

Georgia is among the group of schools hoping to land the nation’s No. 4 safety prospect, but schools such as Auburn and Tennessee are making a serious push for him as well.

Warrior was able to visit Athens late last month, and he’s the type of safety who would thrive under Bulldogs defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.

Given that the Bulldogs need to add more talent, depth and athleticism in the secondary, Warrior’s performance in Oregon showed why he’s become a must-get for Pruitt and the defensive staff in Athens.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.