The camp — an annual who’s who of potential college talent, as well as talent evaluators — runs through Sunday.
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By the time the kids in the recruiting class of 2017 head home, with bags of swag, you can expect these five questions to be answered:
- Who comes out No. 1 in the Elite 11?
Based on 247Sports’ Composite rankings going in, it’s the No. 1 dual-threat QB, Tate Martelll (Ohio State) and No. 1 pro-style passer Hunter Johnson (Clemson), both of whom are five-star prospects. According to 247Sports, Martell might get the edge because 1) he kills it in 7-on-7 competition and 2) the No. 1 slot receiver in the nation, five-star prospect Tyjon Lindsey (uncommitted but an Ohio State lean), is on his team.
- Will anyone commit while in Eugene?
As mentioned, Lindsey is leaning toward Ohio State. Notre Dame might pick up four-star offensive lineman Robert Hainsey and four-star athlete CJ Holmes. Other top prospects close to committing, according to 247Sports: Four-star offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (Georgia), four-star tight end Matt Dotson (Michigan State or Penn State) and four-star safety Grant Delpit (LSU).
- Who’s the No. 1 running back in the country?
Five-star Alabama commit Najee Harris is the No. 1 overall recruit in the country, according to 247Sports, but fellow five-star Cam Akers (5-11, 212 pounds) isn’t far behind and has posted some eye-popping numbers this summer: 4.09-second shuttle and a 40.6-inch vertical. Akers (6-3, 226 pounds) is much bigger, but didn’t run the 40 at one regional Nike camp, went 4.16 in the shuttle and 32.2 inches in the vertical.
- Who’s the top defensive player?
Five-star linebacker Dylan Moses is behind only Harris on the overall recruit list, according to 247Sports, which expects five-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson — currently ranked the No. 12 prospect in the U.S. heading into the event — to make a statement. Five-star DB Jeffrey Okudah and five-star LB Baron Browning — like Wilson both from Texas — also could push their way into the discussion in a banner 2017 for the Lone Star State.
- What’s the school on everybody’s lips?
Michigan and Jim Harbaugh are targeting a ton of prospects at The Opening going head-to-head against Urban Meyer and Ohio State. Sound familiar? Look for one of those two programs to get most of the headlines.
