The Opening 2016: Breaking Down Each Top 25 Team's Commits, Targets in Beaverton
The Opening annually attracts America's most impressive high school football talent to Beaverton, Oregon, where premier prospects compete on the campus of Nike's world headquarters. Widespread action takes place July 8-10, while Elite 11 quarterbacks begin work July 5, with 12 passers vying for MVP honors.
Recent alumni of The Opening include top-10 2016 NFL draft selections Jalen Ramsey and Ezekiel Elliott, along with 2015 Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry and No. 1 overall 2016 recruit Rashan Gary. This summer, our attention turns to a new crop of potential national football stars, as 166 athletes received invitations to Beaverton.
Most members in this collection of dynamic playmakers and powerful linemen caught attention from college football coaching staffs early in their high school careers and remain major recruiting targets nearly eight months shy of national signing day. Here's a look at prospects of interest for each program featured in Bleacher Report's post-spring top-25 rankings, including those committed to schools and several still searching for the right fit.
25. Miami Hurricanes
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Athlete Christopher Henderson
Targets in Attendance
The Hurricanes continue to focus on Florida receivers Trevon Grimes and Jerry Jeudy, who are rated No. 4 and No. 7, respectively, among prospects at the position in composite rankings. Miami fans should also keep a close eye on American Heritage High School (Fort Lauderdale) teammates Marco Wilson (cornerback), Kai-Leon Herbert (offensive lineman) and underclassman invitee Patrick Surtain Jr. (cornerback).
Beyond state borders, all-purpose Maryland back Anthony McFarland Jr. continues to maintain a quality relationship with members of the Hurricanes staff who previously pursued him on behalf of the Georgia Bulldogs. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Sooners cornerback commit Trajan Bandy is a candidate to flip into Miami's recruiting class before national signing day, and USC running back pledge Stephen Carr remains a priority.
24. Wisconsin Badgers
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Tight end Jake Ferguson
Targets in Attendance
The Badgers face an uphill battle to bring in another participant at The Opening. Aside from Ferguson, a hometown tight end prospect from Madison, no recruit carries an interest index above "cool" toward Wisconsin on 247Sports.
Among competitors in Beaverton, Cincinnati defensive back Amir Riep and New Jersey linebacker Drew Singleton are two Big Ten territory talents who hold Wisconsin offers.
23. Washington State Cougars
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: None
Targets in Attendance
Washington State is another squad that will struggle to secure alumni from The Opening, though 5-star offensive tackle Foster Sarell and versatile athlete Salvon Ahmed present prized in-state options. The Cougars extended an offer to Las Vegas safety Alex Perry this spring and have also pursued Phoenix defensive back Isaiah Pola-Mao from the opposite corner of Pac-12 country.
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22. Oregon Ducks
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: None
Targets in Attendance
After a strong showing from Oregon commits last summer on "home turf" at The Opening, it's somewhat stunning to see the Ducks shut out this time around. However, the showcase roster does feature plenty of primary targets for head coach Mark Helfrich.
In-state defensive back Elijah Molden is a key concern, while California cornerback Thomas Graham and Utah tackle Jay Tufele are other targets for Oregon's defensive staff. Receiver Tyjon Lindsey, a 5-star standout from Southern California, still has the Ducks on his short list, and recent offer KJ Hamler is a downfield speedster who waited for an opportunity to open in Eugene. Tight ends Josh Falo (Sacramento) and Tre' McKitty (Florida) also continue to reciprocate interest.
21. TCU Horned Frogs
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Defensive tackle James Lynch
Targets in Attendance
Coveted Lone Star State linebacker Baron Browning listed TCU in his top 10, signaling the Horned Frogs still have a chance to pull off an upset by beating out perennial title contenders for his signature. In-state receiver Omar Manning, who caught 12 touchdowns in 2015, is projected to sign with the Horned Frogs by 75 percent of experts' predictions in 247Sports' crystal ball.
20. Iowa Hawkeyes
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: None
Targets in Attendance
Though the Hawkeyes hold two blue-chip commitments (defensive end A.J. Epenesa and running back Eno Benjamin) in a class rated No. 4 among Big Ten teams, Iowa won't be represented in Beaverton, and opportunities to pick up any prospects from The Opening seem scarce. That doesn't mean Iowa offers aren't already in these players' pockets, as Detroit defensive back Jaylen Kelly-Powell and Pennsylvania receiver Mark Webb are among those who've commanded interest from head coach Kirk Ferentz during this cycle.
19. North Carolina Tar Heels
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: None
Targets in Attendance
Linebacker Sherrod Greene is one of North Carolina's finest defenders in his class, attracting collegiate interest from in-state universities and alternative schools alike. The Tar Heels have sights set on prospects throughout the region, most notably Virginia running back Khalan Laborn, Maryland defensive lineman Joshua Paschal and Virginia safety Devon Hunter.
Pennsylvania receiver Mark Webb and Florida offensive lineman Nick Brahms also have North Carolina on their respective recruiting radars.
18. Washington Huskies
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, tight end Hunter Bryant, athlete Connor Wedington
Targets in Attendance
Huskies head coach Chris Petersen appears primed to pull in one of the Pac-12's most impressive classes on national signing day, though there's substantial work to be done along the way. In-state 5-star offensive tackle Foster Sarell, who received a Washington offer nearly three years ago, should be No. 1 on the staff's 2017 board moving forward.
The Huskies are also in solid shape with elite California offensive lineman Wyatt Davis, who will join Sarell in The Opening trenches. Defensively, Washington is keeping close tabs on in-state athlete Salvon Ahmed, California edge-rusher Addison Gumbs and Arizona safety Isaiah Pola-Mao.
17. USC Trojans
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Running back Stephen Carr, safety Bubba Bolden
Targets in Attendance
USC aims to top several Pac-12 rivals, including in-state foes UCLA and Cal, for California's top-tier talent. The most prized local athletes include 5-star receivers Tyjon Lindsey and Joseph Lewis, corrnerback Deommodore Lenoir, and 2018 receiver Jalen Hall, one of six underclassmen invited to The Opening.
The Trojans could still re-enter the picture for No. 1 overall recruit Najee Harris, an Alabama commit from California, and are also courting Crimson Tide offensive tackle pledge Alex Leatherwood. Key defensive concerns include Las Vegas tackle Greg Rogers, Maryland pass-rusher Chase Young and Texas linebacker Baron Browning, who placed USC in his top-10 list this spring.
16. Michigan State Spartans
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: None
Targets in Attendance
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio has built a widely respected reputation for developing players who weren't considered "can't-miss" prospects coming out of high school, so it isn't necessarily a shocker to see The Opening devoid of a Spartans pledge despite last season's College Football Playoff run. Receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, safety Jaylen Kelly-Powell, offensive lineman Jordan Reid and cornerback Ambry Thomas are lauded Detroit targets headed to Beaverton.
New IMG Academy (Florida) receiver transfer KJ Hamler also has roots in the area, and East Lansing seems to be his most likely landing spot if he heads to the Big Ten. Tight end Matt Dotson and cornerback Amir Riep are priority prospects in Ohio, while Georgia defensive end Drew Jordan considers the Spartans a top contender.
15. Georgia Bulldogs
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Safety Richard LeCounte III, quarterback Jake Fromm, cornerback William Poole III, linebacker Jaden Hunter, receiver Trey Blount
Targets in Attendance
First-year Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is enjoying major momentum on the recruiting trail, sitting strong with in-state stars such as offensive tackle Andrew Thomas, edge-rusher Robert Beal, and cornerbacks Deangelo Gibbs and Jamyest Williams.
Georgia is looking at a lot of potential in the passing game with freshman Jacob Eason fighting for early reps and Elite 11 finalist Fromm on his way to campus next year, attracting attention from scintillating receivers Trevon Grimes, Nico Collins and Jeremiah Holloman. Running backs Cam Akers, Toneil Carter and D'Andre Swift could each end up in Athens, while 2019 Peach State linebacker Owen Pappoe, 15, will become the youngest competitor in event history.
14. Stanford Cardinal
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Tight end Colby Parkinson, quarterback Davis Mills
Targets in Attendance
Proof of Stanford's expanding national brand will be on full display at The Opening, where several uncommitted recruits are seriously considering a career in Palo Alto. This collection includes No. 1 cornerback Darnay Holmes, No. 1 safety Jeffrey Okudah and 5-star offensive tackle Foster Sarell.
Along with Sarell, blue-chip offensive linemen Wyatt Davis and Walker Little are also looking hard at Stanford. North Carolina linebacker Justin Foster and Oregon defensive back Elijah Molden are other intriguing out-of-state options.
13. Louisville Cardinals
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: None
Targets in Attendance
Louisville routinely builds recruiting classes with 3-star prospects claiming the bulk of scholarship slots. With the majority of invitees at The Opening considered 4- and 5-star recruits, Cardinals fans shouldn't exactly be clamoring for a large group of strongly interested competitors in Beaverton.
Alabama defensive end LaBryan Ray and Florida offensive lineman Nick Brahms are among notable participants who've pulled in Louisville offers this cycle.
12. Houston Cougars
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: None
Targets in Attendance
Last summer, months before the start of a breakout Cougars campaign, Houston commit Ed Oliver solidified his 5-star status with a dominant effort at The Opening. This time around, the program lacks a paramount pledge like Oliver, but there are local talents head coach Tom Herman hopes to keep home as roster building blocks.
Oliver opted to play for nearby Houston after spurning several Power Five title contenders. Now defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson and running back Toneil Carter are among elite local athletes who warrant widespread attention in Beaverton, while 5-star Houston-area defensive tackle Marvin Wilson left the Cougars off his recent list of schools under consideration.
11. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: None
Targets in Attendance
Notre Dame is often well represented at The Opening, so the lack of a Fighting Irish pledge is probably one of the most surprising elements of this list. However, there's an excellent chance multiple competitors will eventually call South Bend home in the years to come.
Top Fighting Irish priorities include California cornerback Thomas Graham, Texas linebacker Baron Browning and 5-star Maryland defensive end commit Joshua Kaindoh, who may be tempted to reconsider his Terrapins pact as things progress. Elite 2018 Ohio running Jaelen Gill is interested in Notre Dame, along with several premier offensive linemen (Jedrick Wills, Foster Sarell and Trey Smith among them). Former Fighting Irish commit Robert Beal—perhaps the cycle's best edge-rusher—hasn't shut the door on returning to the class.
10. Ohio State Buckeyes
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Offensive lineman Josh Myers, cornerback Shaun Wade, quarterback Tate Martell, safety Isaiah Pryor, running back J.K. Dobbins, offensive lineman Jake Moretti, defensive tackle Haskell Garrett, safety Brendon White, cornerback Marcus Williamson, linebacker Antjuan Simmons
Targets in Attendance
The number of Ohio State pledges involved here provides a clear indication of why many experts view Urban Meyer's latest recruiting haul as one of his best. Though spots in this Buckeyes class are dwindling, expect more beasts to join on both sides of the ball.
Possibilities include 5-star prospects such as Alabama running back commit Najee Harris, Mississippi running back Cam Akers, Maryland defensive end Chase Young, Texas safety Jeffrey Okudah, Florida receiver Trevon Grimes, California cornerback Darnay Holmes, Detroit receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and California receiver Tyjon Lindsey, who is close friends with Martell. Compelling in-state prospects include 4-star Cincinnati cornerback Amir Riep and local 2018 running back Jaelen Gill.
9. Ole Miss Rebels
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Receiver D.D. Bowie
Targets in Attendance
Ole Miss freshman quarterback Shea Patterson took over The Opening seven-on-seven tournament last summer en route to Elite 11 MVP honors and a No. 1 ranking among 2016 passers. His presence on the Rebels roster should help encourage other dynamic offensive weapons to consider Oxford.
In-state 5-star running back Cam Akers and Tennessee tackle Trey Smith would be welcome supplemental pieces for a Patterson-led attack in 2017 and beyond, while uncommitted Southern California quarterback Jack Sears picked up a Rebels offer this spring. Defensively, Texas tackle Marvin Wilson, Louisiana safety Todd Harris and in-state linebacker Willie Gay are key playmakers to monitor.
8. Baylor Bears
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: None
Targets in Attendance
The fallout from sexual assault allegations and subsequent investigation into the handling of those allegations has left Baylor bludgeoned across the board, costing head coach Art Briles his job and sending Bears recruiting efforts into disarray. Multiple blue-chip prospects backed off their verbal pledge to the program during recent weeks, and given swirling uncertainty, it's difficult to anticipate when momentum may shift toward a positive direction in Waco.
Baylor staff members will have their hands full when it comes to convincing top recruits things are settled at the football facilities. Top in-state targets preparing for The Opening include linebacker Anthony Hines and defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson.
7. Tennessee Volunteers
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Safety Maleik Gray
Targets in Attendance
Expectations are mounting for a breakout 2016 season in Knoxville, and that excitement seems to reverberate on the recruiting trail. Mississippi running back Cam Akers, California receiver Tyjon Lindsey and Georgia cornerback Deangelo Gibbs—cousin of 2016 Tennessee signee Nigel Warrior and nephew of former Volunteers defensive back Dale Carter—are 5-star prospects still in play.
On the local front, offensive tackle Trey Smith and former Volunteers receiver commit Tee Higgins take precedent in the state. Tennessee is also in the mix for North Carolina linebacker Justin Foster, Virginia defensive end Jordan Williams and California quarterback Jack Sears.
6. Oklahoma Sooners
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Linebacker Levi Draper, quarterback Chris Robison, cornerback Tre Brown, safety Robert Barnes, cornerback Justin Broiles, receiver Jalen Reagor, cornerback Trajan Bandy, tight end Grant Calcaterra
Targets in Attendance
A monster recruiting cycle for Sooners head coach Bob Stoops still has plenty left on the table with interested recruits in every corner of the country. Oklahoma offensive lineman Creed Humphrey will be in Beaverton, along with crucial Texas targets such as defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, linebacker Baron Browning, linebacker Anthony Hines, safety Jeffrey Okudah and 2018 athlete BJ Foster.
Beyond Big 12 territory, California receiver Joseph Lewis, Las Vegas defensive tackle Greg Rogers and Florida receiver James Robinson loom large. If Oklahoma is able to land at least a couple of prospects from this group, the Sooners should comfortably finish the 2017 cycle with a top-10 class.
5. LSU Tigers
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin, offensive lineman Austin Deculus, quarterback Myles Brennan, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles
Targets in Attendance
Head coach Les Miles and his staff gained steam on the recruiting trail during late stages of spring, and the stage is set for another surge this summer. Optimism stems from solidly established relationships between LSU and elite talents such as defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, running back Cam Akers, safety Todd Harris and linebacker Dylan Moses, a 5-star prospect who previously pledged to the Tigers as a freshman.
LSU is firmly in the picture for 4-star receivers Devonta Smith and Jhamon Ausbon, while Miles is also well underway with 2018 recruiting efforts. Top-ranked rising junior cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. and Texas athlete BJ Foster are early Tigers targets who earned rare underclassman invitations to The Opening.
4. Michigan Wolverines
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Quarterback Dylan McCaffrey, linebacker Josh Ross, running back O'Maury Samuels, running back A.J. Dillon, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste
Targets in Attendance
Instant recruiting success during the Jim Harbaugh regime can be attributed in large part to excellent relationships within pivotal potential pipelines. New Jersey produced six Michigan pledges last cycle, and the program now has cross-hairs on Garden State standouts Markquese Bell (athlete) and Drew Singleton (linebacker), who played alongside top-rated 2016 Wolverines signee Rashan Gary at Paramus Catholic High School.
Michigan spent a portion of its spring camp at Florida powerhouse IMG Academy, home of Beaverton-bound Harbaugh targets such as receiver Jhamon Ausbon, linebacker Jordan Anthony, and offensive linemen Robert Hainsey and Cesar Ruiz. The Wolverines also aim to collect key commitments within state borders (No. 1 receiver recruit Donovan Peoples-Jones and cornerback Ambry Thomas sit near the top of any wish list) and beyond (Ohio tight end Matt Dotson, Utah defensive tackle Jay Tufele and California cornerback Darnay Holmes are among priorities).
3. Florida State Seminoles
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Receiver D.J. Matthews, defensive tackle Ja'len Parks, running back Zaquandre White, defensive tackle Cory Durden
Targets in Attendance
The Seminoles have done an excellent job locking down premier passers under head coach Jimbo Fisher, signing a top-10 pro-style quarterback in each of the past three cycles. This group should help entice elite receiver talent such as in-state studs Trevon Grimes and Jerry Jeudy, while all-purpose backs Khalan Laborn and D'Andre Swift are candidates to enhance backfield depth.
Florida State should also bolster its defensive attack as this cycle progresses, with Texas defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, Georgia edge-rusher Robert Beal and Seminoles secondary legacy Stanford Samuels emerging as the most exciting possibilities.
2. Clemson Tigers
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Quarterback Hunter Johnson, receiver Amari Rodgers, offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst, offensive lineman Blake Vinson
Targets in Attendance
The reigning ACC champion and College Football Playoff runner-up is likely to add increased firepower to an offensive attack that already terrorizes opponents. Potential additions include 5-star talents such as Tennessee receiver Tee Higgins and Philadelphia running back D'Andre Swift, while Atlanta offensive tackle Andrew Thomas could follow a growing list of Peach State linemen to Clemson.
The Tigers are well-situated for top-ranked South Carolina athlete OrTre Smith, along with elite prospects from neighboring states North Carolina (linebacker Justin Foster) and Georgia (cornerback Jamyest Williams). Virginia safety Devon Hunter and New Jersey linebacker Drew Singleton have also expressed significant interest in Clemson.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
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Committed Athletes at The Opening: Running back Najee Harris, offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, defensive end VanDarius Cowan, linebacker Markail Benton, safety Xavier McKinney, receiver Tyrell Shavers
Targets in Attendance
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban is seeking a seventh straight No. 1 recruiting class, and possible reinforcements are abundant at The Opening, where Alabama is annually represented by pledges in large quantity.
A deep defensive unit could become even more dominant with 5-star athletes such as Texas tackle Marvin Wilson, Maryland end Chase Young, Texas safety Jeffrey Okudah and Louisiana linebacker Dylan Moses still considering a future in Tuscaloosa.
Despite the presence of Harris, the nation's No. 1 overall running back recruit, Saban seems primed to add another impressive piece to his offensive backfield. Philadelphia rusher D'Andre Swift and Maryland back Anthony McFarland Jr. are both interested, along with former Crimson Tide commit and 5-star prospect Cam Akers. Additionally, 4-star receivers Jerry Jeudy, Nico Collins, Devonta Smith and Jeff Thomas could each wreak havoc downfield if they choose Alabama.
Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings.
Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.
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