The Biggest Takeaways from Alabama Recruits' Performance at the Opening

It’s no surprise that Alabama was among the group of schools who had the largest contingent of commitments at The Opening.

After all, the Tide’s 2016 class is currently rated No. 4 in the country—with six pledges who were invited out to the premier showcase on the summer camp circuit. 

In addition to their commits, there were a number of uncommitted prospects who are big targets for head coach Nick Saban and his staff.

What storylines have emerged for Alabama after this week’s festivities? 

Let’s take a look at the biggest news for Tide fans to monitor in the months leading up to national signing day.

Alabama DL Duo Leaving the Door Open 

Two-thirds of the Tide’s defensive tackle class were present in Oregon, including 4-star Kendell Jones and 3-star Raekwon Davis.

Both players had moments of success on the field, but both also let it be known that their recruitments may not be fully closed. 

“I plan on taking some visits coming up,” Jones said. “I want to go back to Texas and Arkansas. Arkansas has been trying to get me up there for a while, so I just want to see what they got.”

However, he’s quick to note that his commitment to the Tide is still very strong at this stage.

When asked if Tide fans should worry about his status, he affirmed that he would remain on the commit list as long as Saban and his staff continue to recruit him aggressively.

“If they [Alabama] keep coming at me like they do, they will get me,” Jones stated. 

Davis wasn’t as succinct with the status of his pledge.

“I’m still [committed], but my options are still open,” Davis said. “I’m still looking at different colleges.” 

While these developments aren’t surprising in today’s recruiting landscape, they still signify that there is work left to be done for the Tide at the defensive tackle position.

Tide in Rising 4-Star WR’s Top 4

One of Alabama’s top remaining needs in this class is at wide receiver, but the picture at that position is starting to take shape.

The Tide are receiving heavy interest from players such as 4-star receivers Trevon Diggs and Darnell Salomon, but another 4-star pass-catcher is emerging on the radar of the coaching staff. 

Freddie Swain, who has been one of the revelations in the seven-on-seven portion of the event, said Alabama is among his group of finalists. 

“I have a top four,” Swain said. “Tennessee, Miami, Alabama and USC. I will visit those schools during the season.” 

"

Freddie Swain has been unreal all week. Has caught a million balls. Constantly gets open. 1 of nations top WRs. http://t.co/CsDQEu6nrR

— Ryan Bartow (@RyanBartow) July 10, 2015"

After consistently getting open against some of the nation’s top corners in Oregon this week, he’s proven himself to be one of the nation’s most underrated receivers. 

Swain noted that he will be an early enrollee and plans to make his decision late in the fall.

He said this his decision will ultimately come down to two simple factors. 

“I want to feel at home and find a place where I could come in and play as a true freshman,” he said.

Given that the Tide will get him on campus soon, it will be interesting to see if Alabama makes a move on the rising standout from the Sunshine State.

Najee Harris Leaves Lasting Impression

Only a handful of juniors were fortunate enough to earn invitations to The Opening, but 2017 5-star running back and current Tide pledge Najee Harris was among that group. 

The 6’1”, 210-pounder—who is the nation’s top running back prospect and No. 6 overall player in the 2017 class—left little doubt about his status as one of the country’s elite skill talents.

“It’s been really fun, actually, because of the competition level,” Harris told Bleacher Report. “I always look for competition and I’m finding that out here today. I like it here a lot.”

One of the things he noted that intrigued him was going up against other prospects committed to SEC schools.

“There are a lot of people here from the south and I’m going to the SEC,” Harris said. “There’s a lot of Florida kids here. I’m seeing what the competition level is going to be like. I like it. There’s competition. I think I will fight right into the SEC with a lot of these guys.”

Harris said he’s locked into his pledge with the Tide, and he’s enjoyed the experience of interacting with the large group of future Tide players at the event. 

“I got six on my team [Alpha Pro], so we’ve been joking around and stuff like that,” he said. “It’s really cool to bond with your future teammates.”

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