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One of the biggest events of the summer for high school football is Nike’s The Opening event. Players from around the country compete at regional events to earn a spot in the finals at Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. This year’s finals will run from June 30 to July 3. The participants are divided up into six teams with their own unique names for head-to-head competition.
#AlphaMenace#HyperStrong#MachSpeed#SavagePro#Untouchable#VaporSpeed#TheOpening Finals team rosters revealed this week! pic.twitter.com/n4Qz3QyLrv
— The Opening (@TheOpening) June 11, 2017
Michigan Is Well Represented Again, All On One Team
Michigan was well represented last summer with 11 recruits at The Opening Finals and are following that up this year with four current commits all playing on the same team.
RB Christian Turner
The 3-star RB at 5-11/187 lbs. out of Buford (GA) committed to Michigan on April 10. Maize n Brew analysis on Turner can be found by clicking here.
DB Gemon Green
The 3-star DB at 6-2/165 lbs. out of DeSoto (TX) committed on April 20.
Can't wait to compete @TheOpening in Oregon next weekend pic.twitter.com/ZeLO5T2Jdj
— King Green (@GreenGemon) June 23, 2017
Recently, Green was the subject of a profile as the 49th ranked player in Texas. We also posted an analysis on Green when Gemon and his brother, German, decided to commit.
CB Myles Sims
The 4-star CB at 6-2.5/173 lbs. out of Atlanta (GA) committed on April 7 and is the No. 14 ranked played in Georgia. He has 36 total offers including Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Ohio State, USC, Stanford, Washington and many other top programs. He visited WTKA and discussed with Sam Webb why Michigan is becoming more of a factor in his home state of Georgia.
OL Emil Ekiyor
The 4-star OL at 6-2/322 lbs. out of Indianapolis (IN) committed on October 2, 2016.
He was up in Ann Arbor over the weekend for the big man camp. Josh Newkirk with Scout wrote a piece about his experience at the event and how the event gave him the opportunity to work with OLine coach, Tim Drevno.
Had fun up in A2 〽️ #goblue pic.twitter.com/IXAbzPqbSq
— Emil Ekiyor Jr. (@bigE__18) June 25, 2017
Team Alpha Menace Roster
#TheOpening Finals Roster
— The Opening (@TheOpening) June 12, 2017
Team: Alpha Menace pic.twitter.com/PbCKZSPP0r
This experience for the guys will be a great opportunity to bond together before heading to Michigan in about 12 months.
Two Other Recruits To Watch
While four Michigan commits will compete in the event, there will be others to keep an eye on that could potentially be added to the 2018 class.
OT Daniel Faalele- Team Lunar Beast
The 6-9/390 pound tackle out of Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy is becoming one of the most highly recruited lineman in the country with his size and athleticism. The 247Sports Crystal Ball is currently favoring Michigan.
DT Rick Sandidge- Team Untouchable
The 6-5/288 pound defensive tackle from Concord (NC) is the No. 5 ranked player in the state and No. 11 at his position in the 2018 class, according to 247Sports. All seven crystal ball predictions are favoring South Carolina, but Sandidge has Michigan in his top 11 that was released on May 1. He visited Ann Arbor earlier this month.
Make sure to follow me on Twitter for any noteworthy Michigan news and notes from The Opening Finals - @DavidRNoe.