The Opening 2016: Biggest Takeaways from Day 2

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Wednesday was the second day of The Opening, and it was another day for the quarterbacks to get acquainted—and, in some cases, reacquainted—with wide receivers and tight ends.

Nike World Headquarters saw everything from talented football players to talented football players playing basketball. A morning session highlighted the day, and a slam-dunk contest featuring five athletes served as a solid break and precursor, of sorts, to a private afternoon session.

Wednesday featured roughly 40 athletes and was the last day before the rest of the 166 members of The Opening roster arrives in Beaverton. Here are some takeaways from Wednesday's action:

Nothing's changed: Martell about building Ohio State's class

The opportunity for quarterbacks to bond with wide receivers and tight ends two days earlier—something new to The Opening—is something quarterback Tate Martell is a big fan of, particularly as the nation's top-ranked dual-threat signal-caller.

The Ohio State 4-star commit has been connecting with recruiting targets old and new since first arriving in Oregon, and he's building chemistry on the football field in time for the upcoming seven-on-seven competition at The Opening. Martell on Wednesday was seen having fun with two targets Ohio State fans are well-aware of.

"I feel like I've gravitated toward Tyjon and Trevon a lot," Martell said of 5-star wide receivers Tyjon Lindsey and Trevon Grimes. "I think we're in a good position to land both of them, but we'll see how it turns out."

One thing about the previous workouts, Martell said, is that he's had a chance to bond with athletes who may not be considered targets to some. One guy Martell said he's looking to recruit is Joseph Lewis, another 5-star receiver who has been impressive since the start of The Opening.

"Hopefully we'll try to go after Joseph," Martell said. "He's such a good receiver. I think one of the only interceptions I've thrown in seven-on-seven was to Joseph playing safety. He's a baller, and obviously, I'd love to play with him at Ohio State. He's someone you would much rather play with than play against."

Credit: Damon Sayles

Can the SEC sway a Big Ten lean?

While Ohio State fans appreciate the work that Martell is contributing as a player-recruiter, some fans are hoping Grimes pulls the trigger and commits soon.

Grimes, representing revered St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, admitted that Ohio State is a leader, but there's one school that is doing a solid job in recruiting him and keeping him as a priority.

"Florida's really been on me," Grimes said. "My quarterback at my school [Jake Allen] is committed there. We have a great connection. The coaches are phenomenal, and the facilities are phenomenal. I have class with [Allen], and he pushes Florida to me. They definitely fulfill everything he's said about them."

Florida is in the running, but many believe it'll be tough to sway Grimes from Ohio State. Grimes is a heavy lean to Ohio State, according to his 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions.

Grimes, who recently released a top six of Ohio State, Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Georgia and Miami, reiterated that he will make an verbal commitment on Aug. 24. Grimes added that he may cut his list to three schools in roughly three weeks.

"That's the start before my senior season," he said of the date. "I want to get it over with before my senior season so I can focus on my team and my school and winning another state championship."

Friends first, rivals later with QBs Robison, Ehlinger

Watching 4-star quarterbacks Chris Robison and Sam Ehlinger in Oregon has been a bit of comedic relief. The two are good friends, and they love cracking jokes on each other.

Their friendship happens to be enhanced with their college futures. Robison is an Oklahoma commit. Ehlinger is committed to heated rival Texas.

"We mess with each other and talk crap to each other about the rivalry, but at the end of the day, it's all fun and games," Ehlinger said. "We're out here competing against each other but also making each other better. I look forward to competing against him in the future."

Robison added: "Since we're both from Texas, and since people from Texas love being with other people from Texas, I think that bonds us. Even though we're going to be rivals, we're still going to be good friends, even through the rivalry."

The annual Red River Rivalry pitting the Longhorns and Sooners could be the major talking point between the two friends for the next few years. For now, the topic of discussion is The Opening, being a part of the Elite 11 and ultimately competing for quarterback MVP honors of the week.

Whatever happens, know that both athletes hold each other in high regard, and both are each other's biggest supporters.

"He's a dog. He can do anything on the field," Robison said of Ehlinger. "He can throw, he can run, plus he's a big dude. Off the field, he's a great person. You can talk to him about anything."

Ehlinger, in discussing Robison, said: "He's very fluid. He's like an artist; it's all artistic to him. He flows very well, and everything looks really good."

Credit: Damon Sayles

Impressive in workouts, TE Falo still wide open

At first glance, Josh Falo passes the eyeball test. At 6'5" and 227 pounds, he looks like the guy coaches would love to incorporate into their passing games.

Falo, the nation's No. 5 tight end, was hard to miss in Tuesday workouts, and he didn't disappoint on Wednesday. Falo claims 23 offers and said he's looking to trim his list soon.

"I was thinking about making a top 10 or top 15 before my season and then cut it down to a top five during the season," Falo said. "There might be a possibility that I commit during or after the season."

Falo said he isn't in any rush to make any major decisions and is enjoying the process altogether. He added that schools like Oregon, USC, Michigan, Colorado, Alabama, Nebraska, Auburn and Arkansas are the ones he hears most from.

"There are a lot of schools busting their butts to get me, and that means a lot to me," he said. "But at some point, I know I'm going to have to cut it to just one school."

Falo said he doesn't have a current favorite and is going to use the end of the summer to finalize his official visit schedule. His definition of a winning school is pretty cut and dry.

"I want a great football program and a great school for academics," he said. "I'm also looking at the environment and how the people are."

Superman rises: Reagor wins B/R Dunk Contest

The Bleacher Report Dunk Contest took place Wednesday afternoon, and Oklahoma wide receiver commit Jalen Reagor walked out of the gymnasium as the contest's winner. Reagor competed against wide receiver Devonta Smith, Wisconsin flex tight end pledge Jake Ferguson and the Clemson commitment duo of quarterback Hunter Johnson and wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Reagor competed in the finals against Smith, a springy athlete who opened the contest with an impressive double-pump slam through the legs. Reagor, however, captured the title with the help of his final attempt, a dunk over a Bleacher Report barrier.

Reagor may have further intrigued the judges when he put on a Superman shirt before attempting his final dunks. The Waxahachie, Texas, standout is the son of former NFL defensive lineman Montae Reagor.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles