The Biggest Takeaways from LSU Recruits' Performances at The Opening

Given that LSU has the nation’s top-rated recruiting class, it’s fitting that the Tigers would have a large portion of their class on hand to participate in The Opening last week.

Seven current commitments and future Tigers made the trek to Beaverton, Oregon, to compete against the top prospects from across the country.

In addition to those prospects already in the fold, Les Miles and his staff are still pursuing a handful of players who were invited to the nation’s most prestigious summer camp.

Which players from the Tigers class stood out, and what storylines are developing for recruiting efforts moving forward?

Let’s take a look in this breakdown of LSU recruits who stood out at The Opening.

Franks Flashes Potential

"Potential" is a buzzword that can be dangerous to use with quarterbacks.

However, in the case of 4-star LSU pledge Feleipe Franks, it’s something to keep in mind when assessing his performance last week.

There were times when Franks looked the part of a 5-star quarterback and a prospect with a high ceiling at the next level.

He displayed improved mechanics and showcased a smooth delivery with good ball placement early in the week.

When factoring in his size (6’6”, 211 pounds) and arm strength, it’s easy to see why many are high on Franks and his long-term prospects at the next level. However, during the seven-on-seven portion of the tournament, he struggled with his decision-making, which resulted in his forcing balls into tight windows.

Consequently, he was supplanted as Team Super Bad’s go-to passer in favor of fellow 4-star Dwayne Haskins.

But, as Barton Simmons of 247Sports detailed, Frank's overall body of work last week was another step forward in his development. He showed enough glimpses of that potential to assure his place as the quarterback of the future for the Tigers.

Fowler, Roddy Impress at DE

LSU has a heavy need at the linebacker position in the 2016 cycle.

Two players who could end playing linebacker in Baton Rouge—4-star Erick Fowler and 3-star Caleb Roddy—were both invited to The Opening. However, both players worked out at the event as defensive ends, and neither looked out of place.

In fact, Fowler appeared to be one of the most natural pass-rushers off the edge among the group assembled in Oregon.

He showed great quickness off the ball and the strength necessary to be effective against top-caliber offensive tackle. He’s versatile enough to play either inside or outside linebacker, but his play at end this week showed that his best position long-term may be at defensive end.

Roddy was similarly impressive. In addition to having the speed to beat tackles on the outside, Roddy displayed a nice package of countermoves.

His length and burst at the point of attack help him thrive in pass-rushing situations. Like Fowler, the LSU staff will have great flexibility in being able to line him at various positions.

The duo were also busy working as recruiters for the Tigers at the event. As for their sales pitch, Roddy kept it simple.

"It's the best football in America, by far,” Roddy said. “LSU has the best stadium, the best fans and the best environment. It's just the greatest place to spend your college career."

DB Class Lives up to Billing 

The anchor of LSU’s class is the wealth of talented defensive backs the Tigers have been able to land.

Tigers’ fans got a glimpse of the future as a pair of corner commits, 5-star Saivion Smith and 4-star Andraez Williams, lined up in the secondary for Team Super Bad.

Smith was limited by a groin injury during the event but was still able to display the traits that have helped him become one of the top overall prospects in the 2016 class. 

Perhaps his biggest strength is the instincts he displays when the ball is in the air.

Smith said he enjoyed the experience of getting to play with one of his future teammates in Baton Rouge.

“Me and Greedy (Williams) played on the opposite side of one another yesterday and today,” Smith said. “We are just getting to learn one another more. I feel like we are going to be very good in the future.”

Despite pledges from Smith, Williams, 4-star safeties Eric Monroe and Cameron Lewis and 4-star corner Clifford Chatman, the Tigers aren’t necessarily done in the secondary. 

Among the players in attendance whom Smith mentioned he’s trying to recruit for the Tigers are 4-star corners Trayvon Mullen and Kristian Fulton, plus 4-star safety Deontay Anderson.

Smith admits that he has enjoyed taking on the role of recruiter. 

“Guys like me, Feleipe Franks and Dylan Moses, we are recruiting players just as hard as the coaches do,” Smith said. “We’re just trying to do whatever it takes to bring a national championship back to Baton Rouge.”

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue also contributed to this report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani