The Opening: Roster rundown & recruiting storylines Steve Wiltfong - Jul 2, 8:37 AM The Opening roster cheat sheet, starting at the top of the 247Sports Composite Rankings and working down. Rashan Gary is No. 1 (Photo: 247Sports) A rundown on every prospect headed to Beaverton, Ore. for The Opening, held at the Nike World Headquarters July 6-10. - 2015 The Opening Roster - 2016 No. 1: Alabama, Auburn and Michigan look to be in a great spot for five-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary, who continues to consider schools like Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Rutgers and Tennessee as well. No. 2: Alabama is working hard to flip the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle and Texas A&M commit Gregory Little. No. 3: The top quarterback in the country Jacob Eason is a long-time verbal to Georgia. No. 4: Until he takes a visit elsewhere, North Carolina looks like the team to beat for five-star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. No. 5: Freak athlete and the nation’s No. 1 cornerback Levonta Taylor is a Florida State verbal. Five-star DT Derrick Brown (Photo: 247Sports) No. 6: All 26 247Sports Crystal Ball forecasts for five-star defensive tackle Derrick Brown read for in-state Georgia. No. 9: The nation’s No. 2 pro-style quarterback Shea Patterson is the jewel of the Ole Miss recruiting class. No. 10: A typical Alabama-Auburn battle for the nation’s No. 1 outside linebacker Lyndell Wilson, with the Crimson Tide holding the major edge on the 247Sports Crystal Ball. No. 11: LSU commit Saivion Smith ranks as the country’s No. 2 cornerback but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him end up becoming a big-time safety in Baton Rouge. No. 12: Florida State looks like the program to beat for former five-star Auburn commit ahd the country’s top-ranked receiver Nate Craig-Myers. No. 13: Georgia defensive tackle commit Julian Rochester had a dominant junior against the best competition in the Peach State. No. 14: Five-star defensive tackle Ed Oliver committed to local Houston, where his older brother plays, in May. No. 16: LSU is considered the heavy favorite for in-state five-star defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence, but Alabama has been known to steal a Louisiana blue-chipper or two in the past. Clemson RB commit Tavien Feaster. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 18: Oklahoma is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for the No. 1 prospect in California, linebacker Caleb Kelly, but Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Washington, UCLA and USC are all still in play. No. 19: Tough to picture Alabama losing an Alabama legacy from the state of Alabama like five-star outside linebacker Ben Davis. No. 20: The No. 2 recruit in California, five-star outside linebacker Mique Juarez says he’s a solid verbal to the Trojans. No. 21: The 247Sports Crystal Ball is nearly all Texas A&M for the No. 1 safety in the land Brandon Jones. No. 24: UCLA looks like the team to beat, with Penn State being the biggest challenger for the nation’s No. 1 weak-side defensive end Oluwole Betiku. No. 25: Clemson five-star commit Tavien Feaster, the No. 1 all-purpose back in the country, is the most electric player in the United States out of the backfield. No. 26: The top-ranked tight end in the land in Florida State commit Isaac Nauta is a complete player at the position. No. 27: Florida State five-star quarterback commit Malik Henry committed to the Seminoles back in November. Stanford QB commit KJ Costello. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 28: Stanford went into Texas and beat Alabama for the country’s No. 2 tight end Kaden Smith. No. 29: Ohio State committed the country’s top-ranked running back Kareem Walker back in January. Several other schools are still working to flip him. No. 32: If not Texas, perhaps Baylor for one of the fastest receivers in the country Devin Duvernay. No. 34: A Stanford offer led to the nation’s No. 1 athlete recruit Demetris Robertson decommitting from Alabama. Georgia is also in play for the No. 3 player from the state. No. 35: USC is the overwhelming favorite to ultimately sign the country’s No. 3 receiver Tyler Vaughns. No. 36: Florida State defensive end commit Janarius Robinson is a special blend of size and speed on the edge. He is the No. 2 weak-side defensive end in the country. No. 37: In-state quarterback K.J. Costello chose Stanford over USC back in March. No. 38: It would be a huge surprise if the country’s No. 3 cornerback Kristian Fulton landed anywhere but LSU. DT Antwuan Jackson (Photo: 247Sports) No. 40: It’s looking like it will be LSU or Florida State for cornerback Trayvon Mullen, with the Tigers the current leader on the 247Sports Crystal Ball. No. 41: The No. 1 ranked recruit in Ohio, offensive tackle Tommy Kraemer, his committed to Notre Dame. No. 42: Ohio State also has a verbal from the No. 2 running back in the land, electric in-state playmaker Demario McCall. No. 43: Penn State commit Miles Sanders will continue to make his case that he’s the top running back in the country. No. 44: Another one of those Alabama recruiting wins in Louisiana resulted in blue-chip cornerback Shyheim Carter. No. 45: LSU commit Feleipe Franks is the country’s top-ranked dual-threat quarterback. No. 46: LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M are all battling for the country’s No. 3 safety Deontay Anderson. No. 47: Auburn is closing in on a dozen visits from blue-chip defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson and continue to be the huge favorite here. Ohio State commit Jonathon Cooper. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 49: Penn State is bringing in one of the nation’s best pass rushers in the country’s No. 3 weak-side defensive end Shane Simmons. No. 50: Alabama looks very tough to beat for receiver Darnell Salomon.
No. 51: Kyle Davis oftentimes looks like the No. 1 receiver in the country. Georgia looks like the No. 1 to land the former South Carolina commit, who’s recruitment will go the distance. No. 53: Auburn, Florida and Florida State are among the schools that continue to pursue Miami receiver commit Sam Bruce. No. 54: The recruitment of E.J. Price is shrouded in mystery after the offensive tackle recently decommitted from Georgia. It remains to be seen what programs will be in the mix. No. 55: Arkansas is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for the No. 1 recruit in their state, defensive end McTelvin Agim. No. 56: The Buckeyes hometown commit Jonathon Cooper is a super-quick edge rusher that ranks as the No. 4 weak-side defensive end in the country. No. 58: Clemson has a verbal from the country’s top-ranked inside linebacker Rahshaun Smith. Alabama DT commit Kendell Jones. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 59: UCLA has emerged as the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for the nation’s No. 9 defensive tackle Boss Tagaloa. No. 60: The country’s No. 2 athlete Jack Jones may be the best two-way player at The Opening. A big-time slot receiver or cornerback, USC looks like the team to beat. No. 61: The 247Sports Crystal Ball is all USC for tight end Devin Asiasi who could also be a big-time defensive end. No. 62: Auburn holds a commitment from the country’s No. 7 receiver Eli Stove. No. 63: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins looks forward to taking Maryland to the next level. No. 65: At 361 pounds, defensive tackle and Alabama commit Kendell Jones is an absolute monster at the point of attack. No. 66: Stanford looks like the team to beat for in-state cornerback David Long. He recently visited USC and is also looking at Washington among others. No. 68: Ole Miss receiver commit DeKaylin Metcalf is certainly in the discussion for tops in the country at his position. OT Landon Dickerson. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 70: Tight battle between Georgia and Tennessee for Peach State athlete Mecole Hardman Jr., with the Dawgs leading on the 247Sports Crystal Ball. No. 71: The No. 1 ranked center in America Baveon Johnson is committed to Florida State. No. 72: Cornerback Nigel Knott contemplated announcing at The Opening but will hold off longer, with Florida State, Oregon, Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Mississippi State among others in hot pursuit. No. 73: Despite naming Alabama his leader in the spring, Maryland continues to lead on the 247Sports Crystal Ball for receiver Trevon Diggs. No. 74: It will likely be Virginia Tech or Tennessee for offensive tackle Landon Dickerson, with a decision expected sometime during the fall. No. 77: Michigan and Maryland top the list for the country’s No. 2 offensive guard Terrance Davis who looks forward to swinging back through SEC country after The Opening. No. 78: A Tennessee legacy, safety Nigel Warrior recently visited Georgia. The Vols, Alabama and Ohio State are all in the picture and the Dawgs could be the wildcard. No. 80: Arizona State and UCLA look like the top contenders for receiver Dylan Crawford. Safety Lamar Jackson. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 81: Many thought Binjimen Victor was on the verge of committing to Florida, but he’ll wait the process out which makes schools like Ohio State and Tennessee happy. No. 84: USC is the heavy, heavy favorite to land in-state receiver/athlete Trevon Sidney. No. 86: LSU receiver commit Stephen Sullivan brings great size and length to the position. No. 87: LSU is the heavy 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for in-state athlete Devin White. No. 89: Stanford landed a pledge from outside linebacker Curtis Robinson back in April. No. 90: UCLA and USC are the biggest players for in-state safety Lamar Jackson. No. 91:LSU pledge Erick Fowler is the country’s No. 8 outside linebacker, but no doubt he can play the defensive end position on the next level as well. No. 93: The Buckeyes have secured a verbal from the No. 3 tight end in the country Jake Hausmann, filling a huge need in this recruiting class.
No. 97: Sub 4.4 speed for former Texas A&M receiver commit Tyrie Cleveland who recently named a Top10. TCU, the Aggies and Houston have traction on the 247Sports Crystal Ball. No. 101: USC pulled one of the Midwest’s best early in Daelin Hayes, currently an outside linebacker with unlimited growth potential. No. 103: It looks like a good old-fashioned Texas-Texas A&M recruiting battle for in-state linebacker Jeffrey McCulloch, and the Longhorns hold the Crystal Ball advantage. No. 104: It’s a Pac 12 battle with Washington perhaps leading the way for cornerback Byron Murphy. No. 105: The country’s No. 2 dual-threat quarterback Jarrett Guarantano committed to Tennessee over his other two finalists Ohio State and Rutgers. No. 109: Oregon commit Theo Howard could easily be the top receiver prospect in California. No. 111: USC bound offensive tackle Frank Martin II is the No. 12 player at his position nationally. No. 112: Penn State cornerback commit Lavert Hill is as fast and fluid as any player at his position in the country. Michigan State leads the parade trying to flip Hill. Florida State pledge Jamel Cook. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 113: Receiver Donnie Corley is flirting with the idea of committing at The Opening, and it would be no surprise if he pledged to Michigan State, Ohio State or Tennessee. No. 115: USC was considered the early favorite for receiver Javon McKinley, who had over 2,000 yards receiving as a junior, but Notre Dame and Oregon may be in the best shape at this point in the process. The Irish are the 247Sports Crystal Ball leader. No. 117: Ohio State is the 247Sports Crystal Ball leader for defensive back Jordan Fuller, who is also considering Alabama, Penn State, Notre Dame, Rutgers and UCLA among others. No. 121: Alabama, Texas and Michigan are a few of the standouts for linebacker Dontavious Jackson, with the Longhorns still leading on the 247Sports Crystal Ball. No. 125: With his length and athletic ability, Florida State safety commit Jamel Cook is one of the more intriguing prospects in this class. No. 127: The country’s No. 5 inside linebacker Jaquan Yulee committed to Alabama in early June. No. 129: Safety Brandon Burton continues to consider several schools but two that should feel great about its position are UCLA and Florida State. No. 132: It would be a sad day around the Mississippi State football offices if local receiver A.J. Brown doesn’t stay local, but several SEC rivals are working to lure him away. TE Naseir Upshur. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 134: Oregon is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for Lone Star State cornerback Jared Mayden, who will announce his college decision at The Opening. No. 135: UCLA commit Krys Barnes is the country’s No. 7 inside linebacker. No. 139: A recent visit to Michigan has the Wolverines sitting pretty for the country’s No. 4 tight end Naseir Upshur. No. 142: The Buckeyes are the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for cornerback Damar Hamlin as they try and hold off Pittsburgh, Penn State and Notre Dame among others. No. 147: Ohio State commit Austin Mack could be a prospect that makes a huge move in the rankings this week. Coming off injury Mack has dominated the last two events he’s attended. No. 148: UCLA committed the country’s No. 13 cornerback Jordan Parker in April, an absolute playmaker at the position.
No. 149: Kentucky commit Drake Jackson is a technician at the center position. No. 151 Cornerback Chauncey Gardner has been committed to Florida since March but plans to take visits to places including Alabama and Ohio State. QB Jawon Pass. (Photo: Chris Nee, 247Sports) No. 154: Michigan got an absolute road-grader in 370-pound offensive guard Michael Onwenu. No. 156: Quarterback Jawon Pass will announce his college decision July 16, with Alabama as the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite. Louisville looks like the biggest challenger heading into the press conference. No. 164: Maryland has one of the country’s most athletic linebackers committed in local standout Keandre Jones. No. 166: USC committed the nation’s No. 3 all-purpose back Melquise Stovall in April, a potential game-changer in the run and passing game. No. 172: Linebacker Camilo Eifler will announce his college decision during The Opening with California and UCLA as two other contenders. No. 173: Defensive end Mark Jackson chose Texas A&M over Texas and Oklahoma among others back in May. No. 184: Michigan quarterback commit Brandon Peters upside is through the roof, being one fo the few if not only passer headed to Elite 11 without his own personal quarterbacks coach. No. 187: Cornerback Joejuan Williams has yet to name favorites, but Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Vanderbilt are a few he has high interest in. RB Elijah Holyfield (Photo: 247Sports) No. 188: Washington is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for the No. 1 recruit in Hawaii, offensive guard Michael Eletise. No. 190: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee are in strong position with Atlanta running back Elijah Holyfield. The Tigers were the original leader. No. 193: USC landed a specimen with outstanding leaping ability in receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe. No. 194: Texas quarterback commit Shane Buechele is as accurate as they come. No. 200: Minnesota commit Carter Coughlin is the most athletic linebacker recruit in the country when looking at the Nike Football Rating testing numbers. No. 203: Tennessee committed cornerback Marquill Osborne back in the fall, however several continue to recruit him including Florida. No. 205: While Texas A&M holds the 247Sports Crystal Ball advantage for cornerback Jaylon Jones, Ohio State and TCU are two others that have a strong chance to sign him. No. 207: Miami is recruiting cornerback Khalil Ladler the hardest, while Florida State is the school he’d like to play at the most. Michigan State commit Messiah deWeaver. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 211: Sunshine State defensive end Brian Burns’s recruitment is a bit of a mystery. Schools with buzz include LSU, Florida State, Miami and Alabama. No. 218: Florida looks like the favorite for Houston (Texas) Westfield four-star quarterback Dillon Sterling-Cole with Houston battling the Gators. No. 220: LSU commit Andraez Williams is part of that loaded Tigers recruiting class that ranks No. 1 by 247Sports. No. 221: Texas looks like the team to beat for defensive back prospect Christian Wallace. No. 226: Michigan has made it very interesting in the recruitment of Florida State legacy and outside linebacker Devin Bush Jr. No. 229: Ducks safety commit Brady Breeze is the No. 1 recruit in the state of Oregon. No. 232: It will likely be Tennessee or USC for receiver Freddie Swain, who also has Alabama and Miami in his top four.
No. 311: Washington has a commitment from the country’s No. 7 all-purpose back Sean McGrew. USC looking for good news from DB C.J. Pollard. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 336: Michigan State quarterback commit Messiah deWeaver has all the physical tools along with leadership qualities coveted in a signal-caller. No. 238: Oregon looks tough to beat for in-state outside linebacker LaMar Winston who will announce his college decision at The Opening. No. 240: It would be shocking if C.J. Pollard did not announce for USC at The Opening. No. 254: TCU committed one of the state’s best two-way prospects, running back/linebacker Sewo Olonilua back in December. No. 259: South Carolina secured a verbal from Brandon McIlwain, a confident, athletic quarterback that trimmed down this summer. No. 266: TCU tops the 247Sports Crystal Ball for in-state cornerback Eric Cuffee who is planning an SEC swing after The Opening. No. 283: It was a loaded group of receivers at the Atlanta The Opening Regional and Oregon commit Dillon Mitchell was arguably the best on that rainy day. No. 287: Notre Dame commit Tony Jones Jr. is a three-down running back and also an excellent baseball player. Miami RB commit Travis Homer. (Photo: 247Sports) No. 290: Michigan is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for defensive end Connor Murphy, with Arizona State, Oregon and Stanford also in play. No. 295: Conway (S.C.) High receiver Bryan Edwards will play for his home-state South Carolina Gamecocks. No. 305: Auburn legacy, athlete Stephen Davis Jr., has been committed to the Tigers since August. No. 309: Miami running back commit Travis Homer is one of the fastest backs in the country. No. 318:TCU has had in-state offensive tackle Austin Myers in the boat dating back to February. No. 324: Virginia Tech looks like they could be the favorite for offensive guard Johncarlo Valentin following a June visit to Blacksburg. No. 330: Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon and Rutgers all battling for Canadian receiver Chase Claypool. No. 335: Notre Dame will likely land offensive guard Parker Boudreaux prior to The Opening, with Clemson and Oklahoma being the Irish’s main competition.
No. 348: It’s been a fantastic offseason for Penn State quarterback commit Jake Zembiec who missed his junior year because of an injury. No. 358: Pound for pound the best player at powerhouse Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha, we’re expecting Maryland receiver commit Darryl Turner to put on a show. No. 362: Cornerback Kyle Meyers earned his Florida State offer in camp and wasted no time committing to the Seminoles. No. 366: At 6-foot-7, 315-pounds, defensive tackle Raekwon Davis is another talented large body the Crimson Tide continue to stockpile up front. No. 399: Powerful Hawaiian running back and Oregon commit Vavae Malepeai also has juice, timed at 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash. No. 401: Baylor looks to be in good shape for cornerback Obi Eboh. No. 403: Nebraska quarterback commit Patrick O’Brien outperformed more high-profile California passers Costello and USC commit Matt Fink at the Los Angeles Elite 11 Regional. No. 406: Ohio State is the heavy 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for linebacker Aaron Hansford. No. 408: Alabama plucked tight end Miller Forristall right out of the Peach State. No. 409: Michigan is the current leader for linebacker Jonathan Jones, but visits to Notre Dame and Stanford in the fall could be potential game-changers. No. 420: Defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk jumped on his offer from Michigan State in June. No. 508: LSU defensive line commit Caleb Roddy will certainly have a chance to prove he’s underrated. No. 623: Oklahoma State quarterback commit Nick Starkel has earned high praise from former NFL standout and Elite 11 coach Trent Dilfer this summer. No. 844: Northwestern and Syracuse look to be in the best spot for running back Tre Bryant. No. 755: Wake Forest offensive tackle commit Taleni Suhren comes out of state power Ardrey Kell. No. 783: The recruiting process is really just beginning for American Samoa offensive lineman Frederick Mauigoa, but at this point we’ll give Washington State the advantage. No. 795: The 247Sports Crystal Ball is all Florida for center Brett Heggie. He’ll decide soon after The Opening. No. 947: Rutgers quarterback commit Anthony Russo may ultimately have Scarlet Knight fans forgetting they ever offered Haskins and Guarantano. No. 997: Hawaii receiver commit Kalakaua Timoteo couldn’t be ignored at The Opening regional in Oakland as a sure-handed and confident playmaker that knows how to get open. No. 1005: Committed to California, cornerback Traveon Beck proved he was one of the nation’s best at The Opening Regional in Los Angeles. No. 1074: Texas Tech quarterback commit Jett Duffey impressed the Elite 11 staff at multiple regionals.
2017 No. 1: LSU has the No. 1 class in 2016 and the top-ranked recruit committed in 2017 in in-state linebacker Dylan Moses. No. 2: Auburn has reeled in the country’s top offensive tackle Calvin Ashley. No. 3: Georgia is the early 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for the country’s top-ranked cornerback Deangelo Gibbs. No. 5: Ohio State is going to be very tough to beat for five-star receiver Trevon Grimes. No. 7: Alabama has already committed the No. 1 ranked running back in the country in Najee Harris. No. 12: USC is the early favorite for touchdown machine, slot receiver Tyjon Lindsey. No. 14: Florida, USC, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State are among the schools to make an impression on receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. No. 17: The country’s No. 2 running back D’Andre Swift is one of the nation’s best at his position regardless of grade. No. 28: Auburn is already considered the heavy favorite for in-state linebacker Markail Benton. No. 36: Texas Tech is the early 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite for the nation’s No. 1 ranked offensive guard Jack Anderson. No. 93:Fantastic sophomore film has made Trey Smith one of the more sought-after offensive tackles the country in 2017. No. 110: Cornerback Jamyest Williams won MVP honors at The Opening Atlanta as an ultra-competitive combo defensive back that could also play safety.
i understand you are basically the LSU news feed. But much more interesting would be your opinions on players you get to see firsthand or hear about instead. i mean theres LSU stuff all over the internet. your opinion would be much more sought after if you'd give one.
