Ohio State Football Recruiting: Top Commits, Targets to Watch at the Opening

The Ohio State Buckeyes' No. 1-ranked class is absolutely dominating the 2017 recruiting cycle, and on July 8 in Beaverton, Oregon, the group is primed to take over The Opening Finals—Nike's signature high school football camp.

The Buckeyes will have a record and nation-leading 11 commits represented at the event, which showcases the nation's top high school talent. The athletes will undergo a series of events, such as the 40-yard dash, shuttle run and high jump to determine the country's top athlete.

Here's everything Ohio State fans should look for when the three-day event kicks off.

Top Commits to Watch

Eleven of Ohio State's 14 verbal pledges will be making the trek to Oregon, and Tate Martell, the 4-star quarterback out of Las Vegas, is one player that Buckeyes fans should pay attention to.

Rated the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the country, Martell chose Ohio State over a host of other schools after decommiting from Texas A&M last month. He has the speed and elusiveness to gash a defense, but he brings a pass-first mentality to the game that fueled a remarkable two-year stretch.

During his sophomore and junior seasons, he combined to throw for 5,145 yards and 72 touchdowns against an incredible eight interceptions. He also ran 1,037 yards and 14 touchdowns.

But the biggest reason to keep an eye on Martell won't be his work on the field—it will be his efforts off of it. The talented signal-caller has turned into one of Ohio State's strongest field-level recruiters, and he's working hard to help the coaching staff bring a historic class to Columbus.

"

Hopefully I'll be able to put a ✔️ on my white board next to Wyatt Davis name after tomorrow! #GoBucks @wyattdavis53 pic.twitter.com/X6ICrSLCOO

— Tate Martell (@TheTateMartell) June 23, 2016"

Many of Ohio State's top targets will be in attendance, and it's safe to assume Martell will be working his magic on and off the field. 

When the seven-on-seven tournament is underway, Team Lunarbeast will feature a number of future Buckeyes on the defensive side. Five-star cornerback Shaun Wade, 4-star cornerback Antjuan Simmons, 4-star safety Isaiah Pryor, 4-star safety Brendon White and 4-star cornerback Marcus Williamson will give fans a glimpse into the Buckeyes' future back-seven.

On the other side of the ball for Team Lunarbeast, J.K Dobbins, the electrifying all-purpose back who committed to Ohio State in March, will showcase his playmaking ability from the slot.

But this event isn't just exclusive to quarterbacks and perimeter playmakers. The Buckeyes have commitments from the country's top offensive tackle in 5-star Josh Myers, as well as the nation's No. 1 guard in 5-star Wyatt Davis. Those two will be joined by 4-star defensive end Haskell Garrett as the linemen representing Ohio State in Oregon.

Jake Moretti, a 4-star who will join Myers at offensive tackle, was invited to The Opening Finals, but he will be unable to attend while recovering from a knee injury, per Andrew Ellis of Eleven Warriors.

Top Targets to Watch

With 14 commitments already in the fold, Ohio State will have to be more selective down the stretch with a class size that's expected to be in the low twenties on national signing day.

But with the recruiting roll Urban Meyer is on right now, he's zeroing in on some of the top remaining players in the country. 

That list is highlighted by some 5-star firepower on the offensive side of the ball. 

The Buckeyes already have a commitment from Dobbins in the backfield, but they're looking to pair him with 5-star Cam Akers, a power back who's rated the No. 2 ball-carrier in the country. 

Team Alpha Pro features Ohio State's top two wide receiver targets in 5-stars Tyjon Lindsey and Trevon Grimes. The Buckeyes are a big favorite to land both pass-catchers, according to 247Sports' Crystal Ball Predictions, and they'll both get a feel for their potential future quarterback with Martell suiting up for Team Alpha Pro as well.

And of course, 5-star Donovan Peoples-Jones, the No. 1 receiver in the country and a big Buckeye target out of Detroit, Michigan, will be in attendance. Martell will be working hard on that group to join the ranks.

"

⭕️ S E L E C T 1 7 ⭕️
•QB: T. Martell
•RB: C. Akers
•WR: T. Lindsey
•WR: T. Grimes
•WR: D. Peoples-Jones pic.twitter.com/GnVuFsvBau

— Tate Martell (@TheTateMartell) June 26, 2016"

Five of Ohio State's biggest defensive targets will be in Oregon as well, highlighted by 5-star safety and No. 5 overall prospect in the country Jeffrey Okudah. Fellow Texan and 5-star linebacker Baron Browning will be in attendance, as will 5-star defensive end Chase Young and 4-star defensive backs Lamont Wade and Amir Riep.

All recruiting rankings and information via 247Sports.

David Regimbal is the lead Ohio State football writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.