The Biggest Takeaways from Auburn Recruits' Performance at the Opening

Auburn was among the handful of schools that were represented by multiple commitments at The Opening last week.

A pair of 2016 standouts in 4-star receiver Eli Stove and 4-star athlete Stephen Davis Jr. and 2017 5-star offensive lineman Calvin Ashley were among the future Tigers who competed against the nation’s best at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

In addition to their commits, head coach Gus Malzahn and his staff are aggressively recruiting a number of other stud recruits who were in attendance.

Which players on Auburn’s recruiting board stood out and which top targets are interested in heading to the Plains? Let’s take a look at which players Tigers’ fans should be paying close attention to in the coming months.

Nation’s Top Recruit Dominates, Set for Return Visit 

5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary came into the week as the nation’s top overall prospect in the 2016 class.

If anything, his performance in Oregon validated his place at the top spot on that list. 

Now, the 6’4”, 311-pounder will turn his focus to recruiting. 

According to Bleacher Report’s Tyler Donahue, Gary has plans to visit five SEC schools later this month, with Auburn among his stops.

New Tigers defensive coordinator Will Muschamp had some high praise for Gary, comparing him to a former 5-star defensive tackle he coached during his tenure at Florida.

“He coached Sharrif Floyd, who is one of the coaches out here working with me,” Gary said. “[Muschamp] said I can play like him. When he said that, I went home and watched his film. I was like, ‘wow,’ because we do have similar qualities.” 

Gary was on campus last month for an unofficial visit. As he told Donahue, he’s looking to have a similar experience as his first trip. 

“My second visits are about seeing how things add up at schools. I want to find out if things have stayed the same and they’re consistent," he said.

Antwuan Jackson Growing Close With Muschamp

Another defensive tackle the Tigers would love to add to their class is 4-star defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson.

Before he arrived in Oregon, Jackson released his top 10 schools with Ohio State and Auburn at the top for his services. 

He elaborated on why the Tigers are one of the favorites to land his commitment, with his relationship with Muschamp among the factors helping the Tigers’ chances. 

“He was recruiting me when he was at Florida,” Jackson said. “When he got to Auburn as the defensive coordinator, we’ve developed a good bond. We’re the best of friends now.” 

While Jackson doesn’t wow observers from a measurables standpoint, he was one of the more consistent defensive linemen all week long in Oregon. 

“It’s great coaching out here,” Jackson said. “You win some, and you lose some. Everyone here has great technique, and it’s just been great competition.” 

According to Barton Simmons of 247Sports, Jackson’s motor and quickness off the ball were factors that helped the Peach State product win the majority of his reps.

Jackson will now turn his focus toward his senior year, and he mentioned plans to announce his commitment during the fall. 

“I just have to love the school,” Jackson remarked on his criteria for his eventual landing spot. “It doesn’t matter who the coaching staff is. I just want to love the school, the education and the program itself.”

Stephen Davis Jr. Opens Some Eyes

Given that he could line up at multiple positions, Davis was a player who carried some intrigue heading into the week’s festivities. 

But, the 6’4”, 215-pounder—who could play safety or linebacker at the next level—had a strong showing in the testing portion of the event earlier in the week.

According to 247Sports, Davis busted off a time of 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

As Ryan Black of AuburnUndercover detailed, the Tigers have now clarified the role they expect Davis to assume when he gets to campus.

"They're recruiting me as a hybrid — a safety and linebacker," Davis told Black.

Davis clarified he doesn’t necessarily have a position he prefers.

"I really don't care what position I play on defense," he said. "I can play defensive end for all I care. I just want to be on the field."

However, it was at safety where Davis lined up for Team Hyper Cool. 

He was able to show great range and instincts in coverage, which makes him a candidate to remain on the back end when he gets to the next level.

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