BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Nike's The Opening showcases many of the top high school football prospects in the country, putting the players through drills and 7-on-7 play. With more than 160 of the best recruits in one place, many of the uncommitted prospects often get most of the attention.
The recruits who have already chosen their schools, however, are giving the fans a glimpse as to what could be coming to campus soon. Here is a look at some of the committed prospects participating in The Opening who could make an immediate impact for their future teams.
DE Xavier Thomas
Committed to: Clemson
ESPN 300 rank: 1
Thomas is the No. 1 ranked prospect in the country, so this one seems obvious. Thomas plays at a premium position at defensive end, though, and has flashed his ability to dominate at The Opening. The defensive linemen and offensive linemen get to go one-on-one against the best of the best, and Thomas has shown why he is at the top of the rankings in this class. Clemson still has some youth along the defensive line as of now, but by the time Thomas steps on campus for the 2018 season, the staff could see some early departures. Austin Bryant and Richard Yeargin will be seniors during Thomas' first season on campus, Clelin Ferrell will be a junior and Christian Wilkins, if he doesn't leave for the NFL, will be a senior. That means Thomas should have a huge opportunity at least by Year 2 on campus to make an impact. The staff saw defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence step in as a true freshman and make an impact and are hoping Thomas can do much of the same.
#ESPN300 No. 1 overall player & #Clemson commit DE Xavier Thomas w/ a dominant rep in 1-on-1's #TheOpening @atxlete pic.twitter.com/Aud7T1uK0N
— Craig Haubert (@CraigHaubert) July 2, 2017
Rep of #ESPN300 5-Star No. 1 DE Xavier Thomas & #Clemson commit w/ inside move in 1-on-1's #TheOpening pic.twitter.com/JrxoGpl61u
— Craig Haubert (@CraigHaubert) July 2, 2017
WR Justin Shorter
Committed to: Penn State
ESPN 300 rank: 43
Shorter had an outstanding performance at The Opening against some of the top defensive backs in the country. He offers a rare combination of 6-foot-4 size with good speed that makes him a big, smooth target for quarterbacks. The Nittany Lions are getting a good one with Shorter and at a good time. Current receivers Saeed Blacknall and DaeSean Hamilton are seniors this coming season and will be gone by the time Shorter gets to campus. Juwan Johnson has similar size and attributes and will be a junior for Shorter's first season. To be able to pair those two on the outside to go along with DeAndre Thompkins, Brandon Polk and KJ Hamler on the inside could be a dangerous offense with a senior Trace McSorley at quarterback distributing the ball.
DB Derrik Allen
Committed to: Notre Dame
ESPN 300 rank: 73
It's no secret that Notre Dame needs help on defense, and Allen could provide just that. Over the past three recruiting classes, Notre Dame has landed 18 ESPN 300 commitments on the offensive side and only six on defense. Allen would come into a secondary that could use help, especially as a playmaking safety. At 6-foot-2, 211 pounds, Allen can help in a lot of areas on defense. Even at that size, Allen has the athleticism to cover receivers as a corner and can play the middle of the field as a safety. He should provide some much-needed talent in the secondary, and with the current depth chart, he should have the opportunity to step on the field very early on in his career.
WR Mark Pope
Committed to: Miami
ESPN 300 rank: 217
Ahmmon Richards had an outstanding freshman season for the Hurricanes in 2016, earning freshman All-America honors and setting a Miami freshman record for receiving yards. A source close to Miami says that Pope has the ability to have a similar performance in his first season with the Hurricanes. Miami coach Mark Richt will be breaking in a new quarterback this season after Brad Kaaya was drafted by the Detroit Lions. Pope will likely be coming to campus with a quarterback who has a season of starting experience under his belt, which will help Pope's transition and performance as well. Pope has had an excellent showing at The Opening, and the Hurricanes could have a few names on this list, including Josh Jobe and Nesta Silvera, but Pope is one who sticks out.
S B.J. Foster
Committed to: Texas
ESPN 300 rank: 23
Texas has two names that could fit this list with Foster and fellow safety Caden Sterns, who are both in attendance at The Opening. A source close to Texas said the Longhorns need depth in the secondary, and the staff is really excited about Foster and Sterns. Foster is the No. 1-ranked player in the state of Texas, so landing him was a win in itself for coach Tom Herman. Texas hadn't gained the commitment of the top-ranked prospect in the state of Texas since 2013 with offensive lineman Darius James. Foster has the ability to make an immediate impact on defense in a variety of ways for Texas. If all goes as the coaches are hoping, he should be a a big contributor very early in his career.