Recently 150 of the best football prospects (as seen by ESPN) of the class of 2013 (a few from 2014) gathered in Oregon at “The Opening” hosted by Nike to showcase their talents. Many have committed to the program of their choice and those who have not have offers line up as far as the eye can see so they have little if anything to prove. So what did the players get from the experience and what we learned, at least from the Notre Dame commits.
Overall there are some themes that all participants should have benefited from. Obviously going against the best of the best allows players to practice with high level athletes because that is exactly what they will be doing in college. Now most if not all of these kids are a big fish in little ponds and that will change soon and they need to know how it feels. It also puts them all in the national spotlight something they hope they will be in.
As close as the Irish Mob 13 have become this is another opportunity for these guys to get to know each other even better. It also gives Irish targets the opportunity to see what kind of players Notre Dame has commitments from. Several of Notre Dame’s verbal commits used this as an opportunity to do some recruiting themselves as they got in the ears of some undecided Irish recruits about possibly ending up in South Bend.
There were several specific things I walked away with from the event. Wide receiver Cory Robinson, (yes David’s son) who is still learning the game as an elite player had an opportunity to go up against top notch defensive backs. This was important because he has been able to use his high and physical talent to beat at beat average defenders.
I know offensive lineman Colin McGovern took some heat about his performance at The Opening. I agree he looked out matched and out muscled but it’s not all doom and gloom. Strength seemed to be his biggest problem and a couple years with Longo he’ll be ready for action. I did see potential and during an interview I heard a positive and polished young man that could develop himself into what is needed by a big time program like Notre Dame.
Just having wide receiver James Onwualo attend after breaking his jaw before the event showed the character, drive and fire in the belly of this young man. Not only does he end a good message to Notre Dame Program, coaches and fans but to other recruits.
Of course the best thing to happen for the Irish in Oregon was the verbal commitment of linebacker Alex Anzalone making a total of four linebackers from class of 2013.
