The Biggest Takeaways from the Performance of Michigan Recruits at The Opening

BEAVERTON, Ore. — The recent recruiting surge at Michigan thrust Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh into the national spotlight months before his first game in Ann Arbor. The program currently sits eighth overall in composite 2016 class rankings, fresh off 15 commitments in a five-week span.

Naturally, there were plenty of Michigan-related storylines to monitor at The Opening, an annual prospect showcase held at Nike's world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. The event, held July 6-10, featured more than 160 of America's top high school talents.

Bleacher Report was live on the scene to document all the action and speak with players. Here's the latest buzz surrounding Michigan.

Brandon Peters Lands Among the "Elite"

Indiana quarterback Brandon Peters helped build positive momentum for the Wolverines' 2016 recruiting efforts in early April when he committed during a campus visit. The 6'5", 205-pound passer picked Michigan over fellow favorites LSU, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

He received one of 18 invitations to the Elite 11 national finals, which are held along with The Opening. Peters, one of six finalists committed to a Big Ten program, took part in a week-long challenge that tested athleticism, arm endurance, accuracy, competitiveness and football IQ.

Led by Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer, the coaching staff selected Peters as one of the competitors to gain status as one of the Elite 11:

Peters, rated eighth nationally among pro-style passers in composite rankings, threw for 3,740 yards, 42 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during the past two seasons at Avon High School. He expressed excitement about the rapid growth of Michigan's class.

"It just shows you how recruits feel about Coach Harbaugh and the whole coaching staff," Peters said. "It's got people really interested in the program. I'm happy to be a part of this and glad I could represent the class out here at the Elite 11."

He also showed off some athleticism, finishing with the fourth-best 40-yard dash time (4.81 seconds) among quarterbacks at The Opening. Past Michigan-bound Elite 11 qualifiers include Devin Gardner, Matt Gutierrez and Ryan Mallett.

Michael Onwenu Flexes Muscles in Trenches

June was a huge month for Michigan's offensive front, as 4-star linemen Michael Onwenu, Devery Hamilton and Erik Swenson joined impressive Brady Hoke-era holdover Erik Swenson in the class. Onwenu went to Oregon, working against the country's most intimidating defensive linemen.

The 6'3", 365-pound prospect punished opponents throughout much of the week. Fittingly, his best rep came against a Buckeye.

Onwenu and Ohio State defensive end commit Jonathan Cooper enjoyed a competitive back-and-forth battle during stretches of the event, culminating in this powerful effort by the Wolverines pledge:

It's a moment caught on video that probably made an appearance in Michigan's football facilities. Can't you just see Harbaugh watching this on repeat?

Michigan in the Mix for Multiple 5-Star Defenders

Harbaugh has helped enhance the program's national recruiting reach, and that quickly became apparent in Oregon. The Wolverines seem to be in solid position to secure visits from two of the top defenders in SEC territory.

Lyndell "Mack" Wilson and Ben Davis, both 5-star linebackers from Alabama, expressed interest in traveling to Ann Arbor. Although they are each seen as Crimson Tide leans, neither player plans to announce a decision before national signing day, leaving the door open for other possibilities.

Davis believes he knows four of his five official visits—Florida State, Auburn, USC and Alabama—but admitted things could change. He identified Michigan among universities under consideration.

Wilson was a bit more concrete with his feelings toward the Wolverines.

"[Michigan] wants me to come up and visit. It’s probably going to be hard for me to come up like that, so I’ll probably have to take an official up there," he said. "I just want to see the academic program and how the players bond with the coaches. I want to see who they have in front of me and what type of playing time I’d have if I go there."

Credi: 247Sports

Top overall 2016 prospect Rashan Gary is already very comfortable with the situation in Ann Arbor. Chris Partridge, who coached him at Paramus Catholic last season, now serves on the Michigan staff, and Gary has spent multiple visits in Ann Arbor since Harbaugh arrived.

“They treat us like family. Coach Partridge knows how my mom is and knows how I am, so our visit was smooth," Gary said. "He showed us everything we needed to see.”

The dominant defensive tackle expects to unveil a top-five list before the start of his senior season.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. B/R analyst Sanjay Kirpalani also contributed to this piece.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.