Recruiting

The Opening Primer: Ohio State Well Represented

The Opening Nike

Nike’s The Opening football combine gets underway on Thursday and it features eight Ohio State commitments and even more Buckeye targets. What exactly is The Opening? I’ll let Nike explain it to you.

WHO:  The top 166 high school football players in the nation as selected by Student Sports after film evaluation and/or in-person evaluation at one of The Opening Regionals or Rating Days.

WHAT:  The Opening Finals presented by Nike Football is four days of dynamic training, coaching and competition for the country’s most elite high school football players. Every position and every aspect of the game will be highlighted over the course of the three-day program.  The Opening Finals is undoubtedly  the most high profile high school football event in the nation. Last year it drew media coverage from Bleacher Report, ESPN.com, Scout.com, 247sports.com, Rivals.com, NFL Network, USA Today and every other major recruiting website, as well as being featured with eight hours of broadcast on ESPNU.

WHEN:  The Opening Finals 2017 will be held June 28th-July 3rd.

WHERE:  Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

The event features a Nike Football Ratings Championship, which is essentially a combine that determines “high school football’s top athlete.” Last year, that winner was Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins. Teammate Jeffrey Okudah came in second. There is also the Final 5 Linemen Challenge, which features the top 20 defensive linemen against the top 20 offensive linemen. The five best performers will then be crowned as The Final 5. Then there is the Nike Football 7 on 7 Championship, which features six teams, 126 athletes, and two days of competition. The Elite 11 quarterback competition also takes place during the six-day event. Buckeye commit Emory Jones failed to make the finals.

So which future Buckeyes — and possible future Buckeyes — are participating?

Ohio State Commits

(Ratings and measurements from The Opening Regionals are included below where available. Players participate in a 40-yard dash, a 20-yard shuttle, a power ball toss, and a vertical jump. These numbers are then combined to come up with a SPARQ rating. The player with the highest SPARQ score wins the Nike Football Ratings Championship.)

CB Sevyn Banks

6-1 180 | 4.5 40 | 4.32 SH | 41.5′ PB | 41.7″ VJ | 128.58 SPARQ

Banks is coming off of an injury last year, but is already making his mark on the combine circuit. His SPARQ score of 128.58 is currently No. 9 in the nation. Take a gander at his power ball throw and then keep that in mind as you scan the rest of these names.

DE Andrew Chatfield

6-2 221 | 4.92 40 | 4.57 SH | 38′ PB | 31.4″ VJ | 85.8 SPARQ

Chatfield may be fitting the new mold as a stand-up defensive end for the Buckeyes.

DE Brenton Cox

6-4.5 247 | 4.95 40 | 4.45 SH | 39.5′ PB | 28.6″ VJ | 92.43 SPARQ

Cox is big and strong. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the one-on-ones.

RB Jaelen Gill

6-0 172 | 4.58 40 | 4.01 SH | 37.5′ PB | 36.1″ VJ | 114.24 SPARQ (From 2016)

Gill may be a sleeper pick to win the ratings title, which would be incredibly impressive considering he missed all of last season with a severe leg injury. Regardless of how he does, it has been good to see him back on the field full-tilt this spring.

LB Teradja Mitchell

6-2 243 | 5.01 40 | 4.4 SH | 44.0′ PB | 30.7″ VJ | 102.93 SPARQ

Mitchell will head to Oregon looking to improve on that 40-time. He is clearly strong, though.

SAF Josh Proctor

6-2 190 | 4.68 40 | 4.45 SH | 36.0′ PB | 36.7″ VJ | 95.01 SPARQ

Proctor has good size for a safety and the athleticism is clearly there.

DT Taron Vincent

6-1.5 287 | 4.95 40 | 4.76 SH | 41.0′ PB | 22.1″ VJ | 88.92 SPARQ

Don’t ever expect the linemen to compete for the SPARQ title, but it still gives you a good look at the athleticism they possess. For a defensive tackle, the shuttle times are more important than the 40 times.

SAF Jaiden Woodbey

6-1 209 | 4.85 40 | 4.22 SH | 39.5′ PB | 32.1″ VJ | 100.62 SPARQ

Woodbey will want to improve that 40 time, but the shuttle is impressive. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came in a little lighter as well.

Ohio State Targets

WR Kamryn Babb

6-1 189 | 4.60 40 | 4.12 SH | 34′ PB | 35.3″ VJ | 103.92 SPARQ

The Buckeyes’ top receiver target. Only hearing good things here.

DT Jowon Briggs (2019)

6-1.5 278 | 5.35 40 | 4.47 SH | 37.0′ PB | 26.5″ VJ | 83.13 SPARQ

One of the handful of 2019 prospects, Briggs is a Cincinnati product.

CB Tyson Campbell

6-2.5 181 | 4.47 40 | 4.51 SH | 36.0′ PB | 32.5″ VJ | 93.12 SPARQ

Campbell is a 6-3 cornerback with speed. The lackluster shuttle time and the vertical seem out of place, though.

OT Jackson Carman

6-6 349 | 5.41 40 | 4.94 SH | 42.5′ PB | 25.6″ VJ | 96.18 SPARQ

Carman went into his regional combine a little on the bigger side. Expect that number to be lower this time around.

CB Anthony Cook

5-11 173 | NA 40 | 4.17 SH | 34.5′ PB | 36.7 ” VJ | NA SPARQ

Cook didn’t run the 40 at his regional, so it will be interesting to see where he comes in. The shuttle will be impressive again.

WR Brennan Eagles

6-3.5 214 | 4.51 40 | 3.99 SH | 39.0′ PB | 37.0″ VJ | 132.24 SPARQ

Eagles has the No. 5 SPARQ score this year. He’s a Texas receiver, so he’s going to be a tough pull for the Buckeyes.

DE Zach Harrison (2019)

6-5.5 243 | 4.62 40 | 4.45 SH | 43.5′ PB | 35.9″ VJ | 125.82 SPARQ

Harrison is a Central Ohioan, so the Buckeyes like where they stand here. His SPARQ score is No. 15 in the nation, which is also the third-best among the 2019 prospects. He’s also a track star…at 6-foot-6 and 240-odd pounds.

LB Owen Pappoe (2019)

6-0 207 | 4.69 40 | 4.09 SH | 38.0′ PB | 36.4″ VJ | 115.20 SPARQ

This will be Pappoe’s second time at The Opening. He was the first sophomore ever invited last year.

DE Micah Parsons

6-3 241 | 4.66 40 | 4.34 SH | 40.0′ PB | 31.1″ VJ | 110.07 SPARQ

From Pennsylvania, Parsons will continue to receive Noah Spence comparisons with his size, speed, and explosion.

LB K’Vaughan Pope

6-2 211 | 4.72 40 | 4.41 SH | 36.5′ PB | 35.4″ VJ | 98.40 SPARQ

Pope visited Ohio State earlier in the month. The Buckeyes are watching him closely.

TE Jeremy Ruckert

6-5.5 230 | 4.76 40 | 4.46 SH | 44.0′ PB | 35.1″ VJ | 114.27 SPARQ

Ruckert is Ohio State’s top tight end target, and with his measurables you can see why.

DT Nesta Silvera

6-1 313 | 5.55 40 | 5.27 SH | 37.0′ PB | 23.9″ VJ | 72.33 SPARQ

Silvera is currently committed to Miami, but the Buckeyes are very interested

WR L’Christian Smith

NA

Smith is a big receiver (6-5 215), so it will be interesting to see how his speed measures up. He will be committing in July. The Buckeyes are sitting pretty.

DE Tyreke Smith

6-3.5 252 | 5.0 40 | 4.65 SH | 41.0′ PB | 31.6″ VJ | 98.55 SPARQ

Don’t be surprised if Smith is one of the more talked about defensive linemen at this event. He’s had a very good spring and is looking to follow that up with an even better summer.

CB Patrick Surtain

NA

The Buckeyes are on the outside looking in for the 5-star Surtain, but that doesn’t mean they’re gonna stop any time soon.

LB Solomon Tuliaupupu

6-2 211 | NA 40 | 4.61 SH | 35.0′ PB | 28.0″ VJ | NA SPARQ

Tuliaupupu is one of the top inside linebackers in the nation. He’s going to be tough to pull out of California. He did make a visit to Ohio State in the spring, however.

WR Al’Vonte Woodard

6-1 193 | 4.61 40 | 4.25 SH | 33.0′ PB | 32.2″ VJ | 92.70 SPARQ

Ohio State made the top five for Woodard back in May, but most expect him to be a Longhorn.

The Opening Roster

Jordyn AdamsWRGreen HopeNC2018
Bryan AddisonDBSerraCA2018
Jayson AdemilolaDLSt. Peter’s PrepNJ2018
Derrik AllenDBLassiterGA2018
Kevin AustinWRNorth BrowardFL2018
Kamryn BabbWRChristian Brothers CollegeMO2018
Sevyn BanksDBJonesFL2018
William BarnesOLApopkaFL2018
Micah BaskervilleLBEvangel Christian Aca.LA2018
Al BladesDBSt. Thomas AquinasFL2018
Stephan BlaylockDBSt. John BoscoCA2018
Jowon BriggsDLWalnut HillsOH2019
Dennis Briggs Jr.DLGatewayFL2018
Amari BurneyDBCalvary ChristianFL2018
Tommy BushWRSamuel ClemensTX2018
Tyson CampbellDBAmerican HeritageFL2018
Jackson CarmanOLFairfieldOH2018
JaMarr ChaseWRArchbishop RummelLA2018
Andrew ChatfieldDLAmerican HeritageFL2018
Anthony CookDBLamarTX2018
James CookRBMiami CentralFL2018
Cammon CooperQBLehiUT2018
Matthew CorralQBLong Beach PolyCA2018
Chase CotaWRSouth MedfordOR2018
Brenton Cox Jr.DLStockbridgeGA2018
William CraigOLGranite BayCA2018
Isaah CrockerWRInderkumCA2018
Aashari CrosswellDBHawkinsCA2018
Camron DavisRBCarol CityFL2018
Justin DedichOLChapparalCA2018
Kenneth Dicks IIIDBLambertGA2018
Devontae DobbsOLBellevilleMI2019
Curtis Dunlap Jr.OLIMG AcademyFL2018
Brennan EaglesWRAlief TaylorTX2018
Emil EkiyorOLCathedralIN2018
Jamal ElliotRBHillsideNC2018
Greg EmersonDLNorth SideTN2018
John Emery Jr.RBDestrehanLA2019
Solomon EnisWRNorth CanyonAZ2018
Daniel FaaleleOLIMG AcademyFL2018
Justin FieldsQBHarrisonGA2018
Luke FordTECartervilleIL2018
B.J. FosterDBAngletonTX2018
Jamion FranklinDLNorth CarolineMD2018
Amari GainerLBChilesFL2018
Palaie GaoteoteLBBishop GormanNV2018
Kalon GervinDBCass TechMI2018
Jaelen GillRBWesterville SouthOH2018
Richard GouraigeOLCambridge ChristianFL2018
Gemon GreenDBDeSotoTX2018
Jalen GreenDBHeightsTX2018
Olaijah GriffinDBMission ViejoCA2018
Houston GriffithDBIMG AcademyFL2018
Jovaughn GwynOLHardingNC2018
Jalen HallWRHawkinsCA2018
Corione HarrisDBLandry-WalkerLA2018
Zachary HarrisonDLOlentangyOH2019
KJ HenryDLWest ForsythNC2018
Brian HightowerWRIMG AcademyFL2018
Trey HillOLHouston CountyGA2018
Jevon HollandDBBishop O’DowdCA2018
Jaycee HornDBAlpharettaGA2018
Talanoa HufangaDBCrescent ValleyOR2018
Kearis JacksonWRPeach CountyGA2018
D’Shawn JamisonDBLamarTX2018
Tank JenkinsOLPark CrossingAL2018
Nelson Jenkins IIIDLPlaquemineLA2018
Josh JobeDBMiami ColumbusFL2018
Tyreke JohnsonDBTrinity ChristianFL2018
Harold Joiner IIIRBMountain BrookAL2018
Brevin JordanTEBishop GormanNV2018
Kelvin JosephDBScotlandville MagnetLA2018
Brandon KahoLBRenoNV2018
Jack LambLBGreat OakCA2018
Cameron LatuDLOlympusUT2018
Devon LawrenceRBWake ForestNC2018
Trevor LawrenceQBCartersvilleGA2018
Devin LearyQBTimber CreekNJ2018
Lorenzo LingardRBUniversityFL2018
A.J. LyttonDBDr. Henry WiseMD2018
Will MalloryTEProvidenceFL2018
Terrace Marshall Jr.WRParkwayLA2018
Cameron McGroneLBLawrence CentralIN2018
Tanner McKeeQBCentennialCA2018
Kyler McMichaelDBGreater Atlanta Christian SchoolGA2018
Teradja MitchellLBBishop Sullivan CatholicVA2018
Elijah MooreWRSt. Thomas AquinasFL2018
Joshua MooreWRIMG AcademyFL2018
Rondale MooreWRTrinityKY2018
Christian MorganDBPorterTX2018
P.J. MustipherDLMcDonoghMD2018
Leon O’Neal Jr.DBCy SpringsTX2018
Ovie OghoufoLBHarrisonMI2018
Azeez OjulariDLMariettaGA2018
Chigoziem OkonkwoTEHillgroveGA2018
Owen PappoeLBGraysonGA2019
Micah ParsonsLBHarrisburgVA2018
Quincy Patterson IIQBSolorio AcademyIL2018
Ronnie PerkinsDLLutheran NorthMO2018
Ricky Person Jr.RBFranklintonNC2018
Xavier PetersLBLakota WestOH2018
J.J. PetersonLBColquitt CountyGA2018
Kyle PittsTEArchbishop WoodPA2018
TJ PledgerRBIMG AcademyFL2018
K’Vaughan PopeLBDinwiddieVA2018
Mark PopeWRSouthridgeFL2018
Jalen PrestonWRManvelTX2018
Josh ProctorDBOwassoOK2018
Brendan Radley-HilesRBIMG AcademyFL2018
David ReeseLBFort Pierce CentralFL2018
Merlin RobertsonLBSerraCA2018
Justin RogersQBParkwayLA2018
Gunner RomneyWRChandlerAZ2018
Justyn RossWRCentralAL2018
Jeremy RuckertTELindenhurstNY2018
Mychale SalahuddinATHWoodson H.D.DC2018
Jamaree SalyerOLPace AcademyGA2018
Tyrone Sampson Jr.OLEast English Village PrepMI2018
Asante Samuel Jr.DBSt. Thomas AquinasFL2018
Rick Sandidge Jr.DLConcordNC2018
Delone ScaifeOLSouthridgeFL2018
Anthony SchwartzWRAmerican HeritageFL2018
Raymond ScottLBNarbonneCA2018
Penei SewellOLDesert HillsCA2018
Justin ShorterWRSouth BrunswickNJ2018
Tyler ShoughQBHamiltonAZ2018
Nesta SilveraDLAmerican HeritageFL2018
Shayne SimonLBSt. Peters PrepNJ2018
Myles SimsDBWestlakeGA2018
Ricky Slade Jr.RBC.D. HyltonVA2018
Chris SmithDBHapeville CharterGA2018
L’Christian SmithWRWayneOH2018
Nolan SmithDLIMG AcademyFL2019
Tyreke SmithDLCleveland HeightsOH2018
Marquis SpikerWRMurrieta ValleyCA2018
Amon-Ra St. BrownWRMater DeiCA2018
Steve StephensDBEdisonCA2018
Caden SternsDBSteeleTX2018
Dante StillsDLFairmontWV2018
Patrick Surtain IIDBAmerican HeritageFL2018
Sammiuela TaimainiOLEast Salt Lake CityUT2018
George TakacsTEGulf CoastFL2018
Ron TatumDLPutnam CityOK2018
Alontae TaylorATHCoffee CountyTN2018
Isaac Taylor-StuartDBSt. AugustineCA2018
Xavier ThomasDLIMG AcademyFL2018
Michael ThompsonDLParkway NorthMO2018
Dorian Thompson-RobinsonQBBishop GormanNV2018
Channing TindallLBSpring ValleySC2018
Solomon TuliaupupuLBMater DeiCA2018
Christian TurnerRBBufordGA2018
Christian TuttDBHeightsTX2018
Jack TuttleQBMission HillsCA2018
Reuben UnijeOLIMG AcademyFL2018
Josh VannWRTuckerGA2018
Taron VincentDLIMG AcademyFL2018
Atanza VongorDBSouth Grand PrarieTX2018
Brey WalkerOLSouthmooreOK2018
Rasheed WalkerOLNorth PointMD2018
Chase WilliamsATHEleanor RooseveltCA2018
Devon WilliamsWRAntelope ValleyCA2018
Jarren WilliamsQBCentral GwinnettGA2018
Xavier WilliamsWRChaminade-MadonnaFL2018
Payton WilsonLBOrangeNC2018
Al’Vonte WoodardWRLamarTX2018
Jaiden WoodbeyDBSt. John BoscoCA2018