The Opening 2015: Power Ranking Every 7-on-7 Team
An entertaining week of events at The Opening is highlighted by a star-studded seven-on-seven tournament that tests the skill set and competitiveness of America's premier college football prospects.
The action, which takes July 7-10 at Nike's world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, puts bragging rights on the line and can ultimately impact how recruits are rated nationally. National television will broadcast portions of the tournament, adding another element of intrigue.
Based on each team roster, here's how we rank all six seven-on-seven squads before things get underway in Oregon.
6. Hyper Cool
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Offensive Playmakers
Quarterback KJ Costello and tight end Kaden Smith are both committed to Stanford, setting the stage for an early indicator of their on-field chemistry in Beaverton. Georgia running back Elijah Holyfield is the son of legendary boxing champion Evander Holyfield and teams up with speedy Washington pledge Sean McGrew in the backfield.
Costello, uncommitted passer Jawon Pass and Oklahoma State commit Nick Starkel will work with a receiving corps that features California standouts Tyler Vaughns and Javon McKinley. Pass-catcher Chase Claypool is expected to commit at The Opening, with Notre Dame trending as his choice.
Defensive Playmakers
This is a strong group down the middle, with hybrid linebackers Curtis Robinson, Jeffrey McCulloch and Caleb Kelly patrolling the intermediate level. That unit is backed by Florida cornerback commit Chauncey Gardner, top Texas safety Deontay Anderson and the dynamic David Long, who is considered the top 2016 defensive back in California.
5. Alpha Pro
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Offensive Playmakers
Despite missing most of his junior season because of injury, Nate Craig-Myers enters competition as the nation's top-rated wide receiver. The former Auburn pledge will attack opponents downfield along with Oregon commits Theo Howard and Dillon Mitchell.
Future Big Ten Conference quarterbacks Brandon Peters (Michigan) and Patrick O'Brien (Nebraska) are likely to share the majority of reps for Alpha Pro. Top-rated 2017 running back Najee Harris is an Alabama commit who some believe could already be the best rusher in attendance.
Defensive Playmakers
The defensive backfield is loaded with incredible athletes, including SPARQ studs Nigel Knott and Jack Jones. Crimson Tide cornerback commit Shyheim Carter aims to assert himself as the next Alabama defensive star, while Texas cornerback Jared Mayden is set to choose from a list of favorites that features Ohio State, Oregon and Oklahoma at The Opening.
This team is heavy on prospects who could land in Tuscaloosa. Virginia's Jaquan Yulee committed to the Crimson Tide in June, while fellow fearsome linebacker Lyndell "Mack" Wilson may be the top uncommitted player on Nick Saban's 2016 wish list.
4. Fly Rush
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Offensive Playmakers
It's easy to appreciate the passing attack here, regardless of who is taking snaps. Led by No. 1 overall quarterback recruit and Georgia commit Jacob Eason, this quarterback group includes Michigan State pledge Messiah deWeaver and Texas-bound Shane Buechele, who led the Elite 11 coaches' list following the first day of action.
That trio will sling ropes to a solid corps of wide receivers, headlined by coveted/uncommitted playmakers Kyle Davis, Dylan Crawford, Donnie Corley and A.J. Brown. Clemson running back commit Tavien Feaster sits atop 2016 rusher rankings and presents a serious threat out of the backfield.
Defensive Playmakers
Former Alabama pledge Demetris Robertson could see snaps on both sides of the ball, but his skill set bodes best in the defensive backfield. He'll team up with prized Pittsburgh cornerback Damar Hamlin and dominant 2017 defensive back Deangelo Gibbs.
Linebacker Ben Davis, the son of all-time Crimson Tide tackles leader Wayne Davis, is widely expected to follow in his father's footsteps. Georgia safety Nigel Warrior will have a chance to state his case at the top player at his position.
3. Mach Speed
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Offensive Playmakers
This is another squad that features several scintillating receivers who still haven't decided on their collegiate futures. Florida phenoms Binjimen Victor, Freddie Swain and Darnell Salomon lead a pack featuring dominant 2017 speedster Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Quarterbacks Malik Henry (Florida State), Jarrett Guarantano (Tennessee) and Jake Zembiec (Penn State) are each committed to marquee programs. Zembiec is joined by fellow Nittany Lions pledge Miles Sanders, who makes major plays as a running back on routes. Isaac Nauta, another Seminoles commit, can cement his spot as the country's top tight end prospect.
Defensive Playmakers
The cornerback duo of Florida State commit Levonta Taylor and Penn State pledge Lavert Hill has legitimate lockdown potential in coverage. Taylor is a strong candidate to claim SPARQ national championship honors.
Linebacker LaMar Winston represents his home state in Oregon, joined up front by Alabama standout Markail Benton. Safeties Brandon Burton and Jamel Cook, a Florida State commit, offer outstanding range deep.
2. Superbad
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Offensive Playmakers
This team name may remind readers of McLovin, but these guys are no joke. Quarterbacks Feleipe Franks, Dwayne Haskins and Brandon McIlwain can each orchestrate a strong offensive attack.
Franks (LSU) and Haskins (Maryland) have a top target apiece who is also committed to their school of choice in Stephen Sullivan and Darryl Turner, respectively. Miami commit Sam Bruce headlines the receiving corps, which is further augmented by explosive Philadelphia tight end Naseir Upshur.
The City of Brotherly Love is also represented by do-it-all 2017 running back D'Andre Swift.
Defensive Playmakers
IMG Academy teammates Khalil Ladler and Saivion Smith get a chance to strut their stuff at cornerback together. Smith also teams up with fellow LSU commit Andraez Williams, who routinely interrupts passing lanes.
Dylan Moses is probably the most well-known Tigers commit in attendance, even though he's only a rising junior. He should wreak havoc alongside Houston linebacker Dontavious Jackson, who holds nearly 60 scholarship offers.
1. Lunar Beast
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Offensive Playmakers
Ohio State fans can catch a glimpse of the future in Beaverton, as Buckeyes running back commits Kareem Walker and Demario McCall do damage as key Lunar Beast playmakers. This outstanding tandem should make life a lot easier for a quarterback group led by Ole Miss pledge Shea Patterson and Rutgers commit Anthony Russo.
There is more Buckeyes flair in a receiving corps that includes Ohio State commits Jake Hausmann and Austin Mack. Former Texas A&M pledge Tyrie Cleveland, USC commit Josh Imatorbhebhe and Ole Miss commit DeKaylin Metcalf help create what appears to be the best downfield arsenal in attendance.
Defensive Playmakers
Trayvon Mullen, who is still considering several universities, is among the more physically imposing players to be found in pass coverage at The Opening. He headlines a defensive backfield that also features TCU-bound safety Sewo Olonilua and dynamic Georgia athlete Mecole Hardman.
USC pledges Daelin Hayes and Mique Juarez anchor the linebacker unit. That group becomes even more potent with intimidating UCLA commit Krys Barnes, creating arguably the best Beaverton trio at this position.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.
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