The Opening 2015: Grading the Performance of the Top 10 Recruits
Another edition of The Opening wrapped up Friday, following three days of constant action at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. The event annually features more than 160 elite college football prospects, who compete against the very best of their peers.
Plenty of players proved themselves on a national stage and can expect their stock to rise in the recruiting landscape. Others arrived in Oregon already anointed among the nation's elite.
We kept a close eye on the upper echelon of athletes who arrived with lofty expectations, highlighting the top 10 competitors in 247Sports' composite rankings.
Order based on players' appearance in composite rankings.
10. WR Nate Craig-Myers (Tampa, Florida)
1 of 10
Highlights
Nate Craig-Myers turned some heads when he arrived in Beaverton toting Florida State luggage. The former Auburn commit ranks among America's most coveted uncommitted prospects as his senior season approaches.
Though he didn't receive as many targets in tournament play as several of his contemporaries did, Craig-Myers made the most of opportunities. His blend of speed (4.50 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and size (he measured in at 6'3", 208 pounds) presented a difficult matchup for even accomplished defensive backs.
Craig-Myers most memorable moment occurred during seven-on-seven tournament action, when he exploited a seam down the heart of a defense, snared a pass and split defenders en route to the end zone.
That's a good sign for the Tampa Catholic High School star, who missed practically all of his junior season with a leg injury.
Grade: A-
9. CB Saivion Smith (Bradenton, Florida)
2 of 10
Highlights
Saivion Smith stated his case as Florida's top defender, displaying outstanding athleticism and above-average length at 6'1", 183 pounds. There were times when speedy wide receivers gained separation downfield, but he showed off solid instincts in coverage and rarely appeared out of place.
Smith, who secured 67 tackles and five sacks at IMG Academy last season, was steady throughout the week. He didn't accumulate an abundance of highlight plays that other cornerback prospects managed to cram into camp action, so you could argue the position's top spot may elude him heading into the season.
His February commitment to LSU continues a tradition of standout defensive backs in Baton Rouge.
"It's DBU down there and I'm excited to become a part of that," Smith said. "A lot of big-time players have come out of there and I hope to be one of them."
Grade: B+
8. LB Lyndell Wilson (Montgomery, Alabama)
3 of 10
Highlights
There were certainly more highlights than setbacks for linebacker Lyndell Wilson at The Opening, though he didn't distinguish himself as the premier player at his position. Multiple running backs got the better of him in drills, making him seem a stride slow in pursuit.
This trend and his 40-yard dash time (4.85 seconds) create some questions about Wilson's ability to effectively shut down the perimeter. Fellow Alabama linebacker Ben Davis could push him for the position's top spot, along with USC commit Mique Juarez and versatile California defender Caleb Kelly.
Still, the good moments for Wilson were very strong and he appears to possess a level of leadership tendencies that college coaches covet. He tallied 84 tackles and nine sacks at Carver High School in 2014, and he is currently weighing offers from Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Florida State and Michigan, among others.
Grade: B-
7. QB Shea Patterson (Shreveport, Louisiana)
4 of 10
Highlights
Shea Patterson picked the perfect time to catch fire in Beaverton, decimating defenses Friday en route to Elite 11 MVP honors. He began the day sixth on the camp's coach rankings and saw his seven-on-seven squad suffer four straight losses to start the tournament.
The 6'2", 195-pound Calvary Baptist Academy passer stepped up and spent the rest of his trip decimating defenses with elite precision. He rallied his team to three straight victories and bested Florida State quarterback commit Malik Henry in the title game.
"The thing that meant the most to me was winning a championship with my team. We glued up, fed off each other's energy and played with so much togetherness," Patterson said.
The Ole Miss commit collected 5,083 passing yards and 72 touchdowns through the air during the past two seasons. There's a strong chance he now surges to the top of 2016 quarterback rankings.
Grade: A+
6. CB Levonta Taylor (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
5 of 10
Highlights
Levonta Taylor looked every bit the top-rated cornerback in America, keeping premier quarterbacks on guard throughout the event. He was rarely challenged downfield, and on those rare occasions Taylor asserted himself as a disruptive force in passing lanes.
The 5'11", 182-pound prospect is an elite closer in coverage, showcasing that quickness in the 40-yard dash (4.37 seconds). Beyond his ball hawk skills, Taylor can terrorize opponents when he gains possession.
Along with 40 tackles and three interceptions in 2014, Taylor accounted for five scores on defense and special teams, per MaxPreps. The Ocean Lakes standout committed to Florida State in April.
"It was a big relief and a proud moment to commit to FSU," Taylor said. "I'm focused on improving as much as I can before I get to college. I'm also trying to help this class be very special."
Grade: A
5. DT Derrick Brown (Buford, Georgia)
6 of 10
Highlights
Considering the depth at defensive tackle, it could've been easy for Derrick Brown to get lost in the shuffle. Instead, he stood out and showed why he's such a prized commodity in SEC country.
Brown bullied most opponents, driving offensive linemen back off their heels to claim one-on-one rep victories. There were times when he seemed to lean too heavily on a bull rush, and the next step in his development must include a wider array of moves that include some finesse technique.
Brown totaled 101 tackles—26 for loss—and 18 sacks at Lanier High School last season. He declared four favorites while at The Opening, identifying Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama as programs to beat.
"The biggest factor for me right now is if I don't go to the NFL, I need to find a place that suits me education wise," the 6'4", 322-pound lineman told Wesley Sinor of AL.com.
Grade: A-
4. DT Dexter Lawrence (Wake Forest, North Carolina)
7 of 10
Highlights
Dexter Lawrence dismantled fellow top-tier prospects in the trenches, punishing those who failed to match his full-throttle approach. The 6'5", 310-pound defensive tackle demonstrates outstanding balance and knee bend, blowing upward through the snap with ferocity.
A violent initial punch puts him in position to gain an immediate upperhand and finish off blocks in a flurry. There's also a mental edge to his game that borders on savvy and choppiness.
Lawrence tallied 111 tackles—44 tackles—and 15 sacks. His upcoming visit plans include Ohio State, Stanford, Florida, Alabama and Clemson, according to Derek Tyson of ESPN.
Grade: A
3. QB Jacob Eason (Lake Stevens, Washington)
8 of 10
Highlights
Jacob Eason entered Elite 11 competition as the country's top-rated quarterback. He flashed the physical traits and touch that put him in that position throughout the week, but those moments weren't as frequent as many expected.
The Georgia commit actually ended up in a backup role during seven-on-seven action, though Texas pledge Shane Buechele certainly deserves credit for seizing the majority of snaps. Eason was relatively unseen during the final stretch of tournament competition, while fellow 5-star quarterbacks Shea Patterson and Malik Henry caught fire.
His high school film and 6'5" frame provide proof of immense promise, but The Opening wasn't a breakout performance for Eason. A poll among media members immediately after the Elite 11 placed him fourth overall among passers in the 2016 class.
Grade: C+
2. OL Greg Little (Allen, Texas)
9 of 10
Highlights
Greg Little drew rave reviews from his peers in Beaverton, providing the ultimate validation for immense hype. The 6'5 ½", 305-pound prospect split reps with top overall 2016 recruit Rashan Gary and pummeled just about everyone else he encountered.
"I really enjoy competing against Little because he's such an incredible competitor," Gary said. "He pushes you to become a better player. I know he's going to be really successful in the future."
Texas A&M landed a pledge from Little last summer, though he spent time at Alabama and Ole Miss last month. He anchors the offensive front at Allen High School, helping the team claim state championships during each of his first two seasons as a starter.
Grade: A+
1. DT Rashan Gary (Paramus, New Jersey)
10 of 10
Highlights
Rashan Gary can make himself comfortable in the top spot because he isn't going anywhere. The 6'4", 311-pound Paramus Catholic High School athlete dazzled during his second trip to The Opening.
"He's a man among boys in the trenches," top-rated 2017 offensive guard Jack Anderson said. "I think Rashan taught a few guys some lessons this week."
Gary recorded 55 tackles, 24 quarterback hurries and 14 sacks last season. He remains uncommitted and will be busy throughout July with visits lined up to Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss and LSU.
Grade: A+
Quotes and observations obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise mentioned.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports. Forty times courtesy of Student Sports.
.jpg?w=600 "Report: Lawrence Wants Out of NY")
