The Biggest Takeaways from Michigan Recruits' Performance at the Opening

BEAVERTON, Oregon — Multiple future members of the Michigan Wolverines football program assembled at Nike's world headquarters for The Opening national finals. 

The event, a culmination of 14 regional camps, the Elite 11 finals and year-round scouting efforts, featured more than 150 high school athletes from across the country. The annual showcase, which occurred July 5-10, provides an indication of which players are physically and mentally prepared to make an impact in college football.

There were plenty of storylines to follow for Michigan fans, ranging from the Elite 11 MVP race among quarterbacks to seven-on-seven tournament action. Here's a rundown of key Wolverines takeaways from a jam-packed week of action in Oregon.

QB Commit Dylan McCaffrey Makes Impression, Pursues Pass-Catchers

Head coach Jim Harbaugh secured an Elite 11 finalist in each of his first two recruiting classes with Alex Malzone and Brandon Peters. He's set to sign another this winter when McCaffrey, a 5-star recruit, officially climbs aboard the Michigan bandwagon.

The 6'5", 196-pound passer qualified for competition in Beaverton after a complete performance at the Elite 11 finals, which were held June 3-5 in Southern California. Rated No. 2 nationally among pro-style quarterbacks in composite rankings, McCaffrey produced plenty and further legitimized his reputation as an upper-echelon recruit at the position.

After receiving a nod as "best leader" at the Elite 11 finals, he again impressed as a vocal conductor of his offensive attack during seven-on-seven sessions. McCaffrey takes ownership of pass attempts, even when he's not thrilled with the result, and this accountability suits him well when it comes to gaining respect from his peers.

Nico Collins, a 4-star receiver from Alabama, enjoyed his up-close look at the Wolverines pledge with Team Hypercool. 

"Coming out here on the field, when it's time to shine, he's throwing the ball," Collins told Bleacher Report. "It plays a big part because that might be my quarterback the next three or four years. He wants me there pretty bad, and I'm kind of loving Michigan."

The 6'5", 195-pound playmaker is loving Michigan so much he declared the Wolverines his outright leader. McCaffrey, who's hoping to add Collins to the Wolverines' 2017 class, believes this experience gave the potential duo a chance to gain trust.

"He's looking at me, seeing how I play, seeing if he can jell with me for the next four years, so I'm taking it like a tryout…like I'm getting evaluated by the top guys," McCaffrey said.

The Valor Christian (Colorado) High School senior also shared a roster with priority Wolverines target Donovan Peoples-Jones, who is rated No. 1 among receivers in composite rankings. The Opening was actually their first in-person interaction, though the Detroit standout was unable to participate due to to a hamstring injury.

Michigan seems to be in excellent shape for Collins, and it's firmly in the picture for Peoples-Jones.

Hypercool advanced to the tournament semifinals, knocking out an Ohio State-heavy Team Alpha Pro along the way before bowing out. It's fair to wonder if a healthy Peoples-Jones would have altered that outcome.

Wolverines Running Backs Work with Heisman Trophy Finalist

Dylan McCaffrey wasn't even the most well-known McCaffrey on his own sideline in Beaverton. Older brother Christian McCaffrey, a Stanford running back who broke Barry Sanders' NCAA record for all-purpose yards last season, served as an assistant coach for Hypercool. 

It was obviously a special dynamic for these siblings, but it also allowed two Michigan commits to access insight from one of college football's finest. Wolverines pledges O'Maury Samuels and A.J. Dillon shared the offensive backfield during seven-on-seven action, each receiving guidance from a leading Heisman Trophy contender. 

"It's definitely an awesome opportunity," Dillon said. "He's done huge things at the next level. Now he's kind of taken us under his wing and helped us a lot, while giving us a bunch of little tips about how to improve and be most effective."

Dillon, who rushed for 3,255 yards and 47 touchdowns during the past two seasons at Lawrence Academy in Massachusetts, spent The Opening with Samuels as a roommate. Both backs spent extensive time running routes for Dylan McCaffrey.

"It's been awesome spending time with these guys," Dillon said. "You never know how you're going to bond with another running back but we've been getting close. The connection started early with us two and Dylan."

Samuels gained 1,468 yards on the ground last fall at Los Lunas High School in New Mexico, according to Nick Baumgardner of MLive. He and Dillon were two of the most physically formidable prospects among running backs in Beaverton.

Kai-Leon Herbert Becomes Official Zombie Hunter of 2017 Michigan Class

B/R's Commitment Week featured several top-tier recruits taking the plunge and pledging to the university of their choice. That group includes Herbert, a 4-star Florida offensive lineman who pledged to Michigan on July 6.

The 6'5", 284-pound American Heritage School blocker punctuated his recruitment process in frightful fashion. In a parody of popular television series The Walking Dead, Herbert fought his way past zombies representing several different colleges before revealing his intentions to attend Michigan:

His brothers actually joined the production cast, playing the roles of Michigan State and Ohio State zombies.

Rated No. 22 nationally among offensive tackles, he joins JaRaymond Hall as 4-star offensive linemen in the class. The group is now listed No. 4 overall in composite class rankings.

"All the Michigan fans loved the film. They're happy to have me, and I'm happy to be accepted by them. They feel like I can come in and help win games, and that's exactly what I'll try to do."

Quotes and observations obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings.

Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.