The Biggest Takeaways from USC Recruits' Performance at The Opening

BEAVERTON, Ore. — High school football's premier prospects traveled to the Pacific Northwest from July 5-10 for The Opening's national finals at Nike's world headquarters.

As usual, the event included multiple USC Trojans storylines, including the presence of current standouts and future contributors. Head coach Clay Helton is looking to gain momentum as his first full cycle continues, and several competitors in Beaverton could ultimately aid that effort.

Bleacher Report spent the entire week witnessing developments on and off the field. Here are few USC tidbits from an action-packed showcase.

5-Star Running Back Commit Compares Himself to Leonard Fournette

Stephen Carr was amazed on Friday when The Opening staff revealed an awe-inspiring group of college counselors. It was heavy on All-Americans and Heisman Trophy contenders just a few years removed from competing at the event themselves.

Carr, rated No. 3 nationally among running backs, was particularly dazzled by the accomplished group of players at his position. The collection of counselors included Christian McCaffrey (Stanford), Nick Chubb (Georgia), Royce Freeman (Oregon) and Leonard Fournette (LSU).

"I was honestly starstruck," he told B/R. "It was incredible just watching them all walk onto the field together. I talked to McCaffrey for a while and he told me how much different the college game is from high school. You've got to be zoned in or you won't make it out there. It was a blessing to spend some time and learn from these guys."

Each member of the group would serve as a solid role model in terms of career trajectory, but Carr identified Fournette as someone he specifically hopes to measure himself against.

"I think I can match up with his style," Carr said. "He's a tough, physical runner who breaks tackles and can also get outside with his speed. That's a lot to deal with for a defense."

The 6'0", 202-pound California product is also an above-average receiver out of the backfield. He should contend for immediate touches in Los Angeles.

USC Squarely in the Picture for Top-Ranked Uncommitted Passer 

The Trojans carry a blue-chip 2018 quarterback commitment from 5-star recruit Matt Corral, but the position remains unaddressed in the 2017 cycle.

That could change this month if Jack Sears elects to join USC's class.

He hails from the same high school (San Clemente) that produced second-year Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold. Sears, rated No. 10 nationally among pro-style passers, didn't downplay the role of that relationship in his overall feelings toward USC.

"It's great having Sam there because I know I can trust him to give me his thoughts straight up," he told B/R. "He always talks about how much he loves it there."

Credit: Student Sports

Sears expressed plans to publicly pledge somewhere before August, naming USC as a legitimate local contender along with UCLA. He also recently visited Tennessee, Duke and North Carolina. 

The 6'3", 200-pound prospect produced 2,697 passing yards and 37 touchdown tosses last season while also inflicting damage as a capable runner. Sears is among the most athletic members of this Elite 11 class and was actually the only uncommitted quarterback in Beaverton.

"I like to go down my own path, and that's exactly how I'm handling the recruitment process," he said. "I know some quarterbacks have been committed for more than a year now, but I'm OK with taking my time while finding the right fit. I want to make my decision once, stick with it and have that be my home for the next four or five years."

Carr wouldn't give us a name but said a quarterback at The Opening informed him that a Trojans commitment could be coming. It would be a major upset if that player wasn't Sears.

Los Angeles Duo Could Further Bolster Trojans' Receiver Corps

Hawkins High School (Los Angeles) teammates Joseph Lewis and Jalen Hall form a fearsome tandem in the passing game. USC aims to keep these two together for years to come, and it's not far-fetched to think the Trojans are well positioned to eventually pick up both 5-star recruits.

Lewis, rated No. 2 nationally among 2017 receiver prospects, told B/R he's comfortable with the coaching staff.

"It’s a really cool relationship. I was just talking with [USC offensive coordinator] Tee Martin earlier. It was a really good talk. I’m good with those guys," he said. 

Lewis plans to use official visits at various universities, including Oklahoma, Nebraska and Arizona, but USC is still the safe bet to bring him on board this winter. That could ultimately set the stage for another celebrated receiver to sign in 2018, when Hall will be among the most coveted pass-catchers in his class. 

The rising junior already stands 6'3", 186 pounds and was the lone underclassman receiver invited to compete at The Opening. Hall, who reports 35 scholarship offers, intends to trim his list of options down to five or 10 teams later this year.

Helton and his staff would put the Trojans in enviable position if Lewis is on USC's roster when the decision-making process accelerates for Hall.

"We talk about playing together all the time and that would be special," he said. "We both need to make sure we're doing what's right for ourselves, but if it comes down to us attending the same school, that would really be great."

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.