re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

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4. Uncommitted offensive tackle Cesar Ruiz

I didn't realize Ruiz was this good. He just couldn't be moved. It's not that he's a massive guy on the inside, it's just that he plays with such good leverage, such good hand placement and such tenacity that he won almost every rep. Even massive bodies like Marvin Wilson and Tyler Shelvin weren't able to overpower Ruiz but the more active defenders like Jay Tufele couldn't out-quick him either. He has named Alabama his leader but the Crystal Ball is heavily in favor of Michigan.

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12. Hunter Johnson
11. Myles Brennan
10. Sean Clifford
9. Tommy DeVito
8. Chris Robinson
7. Sam Ehlinger
6. Davis Mills
5. Jack Sears
4. Tate Martell

3. Alabama commit Tua Tagovailoa

His two touchdowns on 11 drives don't begin to tell the story of Tagovailoa's play. Some of the most impressive throws of the day from the Hawaiian lefty were dropped by his wide receivers, including one that would have tied the game late in a close battle. Heading into Sunday, Tagovailoa looks like one of the top candidates to make a deep run in the playoffs.

2. Dylan McCaffrey
1. Jake Fromm

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BEAVERTON, Ore. — Saturday’s action at The Opening Finals featured the OL/DL challenge, hours of Nike 7on7 pool play and the first round of the Nike 7on7 Championship Tournament at night. This year, we’re breaking down down our prospects reports by region instead of 7on7 team. Here’s who caught our eye today from Florida.

Alpha Dog

Florida State wide receiver commit D.J. Matthews is proving to be one of the most electric playmakers in the entire camp. The 5-foot-10, 160-pounder’s change of direction is phenomenal, allowing Matthews to shake several defenders running routes and when he has the ball in the open field. The Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian product went high for an impressive catch before later hauling in a 20 yard touchdown.

Next 5 Standouts

1. Deerfield Beach (Fla.) wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was uber-productive during Saturday’s 7on7 play. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound prospect was fighting for top overall honors in the Sunshine State. Jeudy made finger-tip catches, made people miss in the open field while also proving to be a vertical threat. His lone blemish on the day was a dropped touchdown that would have set up a point after conversion to tie or win the final game of pool play.

2. Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy center Cesar Ruiz put together a rather impressive performance on Saturday by stonewalling defensive linemen rep after rep in 1on1s. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Ruiz has a sturdy and powerful base while helps him anchor down to stuff the oncoming pass rush.

3. Alabama five-star commit Alex Leatherwood performed well at both right tackle, left tackle as well as offensive guard throughout the day. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound prospect showed the ability to be a bit of a utility player if needed on the next level. The Pensacola (Fla.) Washington star is yet another powerful yet mobile linemen in the trenches.

4. Ft. Lauderale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas wide receiver Trevon Grimesput together one of his strongest performances of the offseason on Saturday. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound target hauled in three touchdowns, one being an impressive catch-and-run up the seam. Grimes is at his best running go-routes or slants.

5. Florida State cornerback commit Stanford Samuels was able to get his hands on a few passes and help lock down his side of the field. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound prospect used his great length and sound technique to blanket receivers throughout the day.

Signature Play

There were plenty of great plays on the day, but we are giving an impressive Jerry Jeudy leaping catch along the sideline the top billing. Jeudy ran a corner route, went high between two defenders to catch the ball while still coming down with his feet in bounds for a great catch.

Emptying the Notebook:

— Lakeland (Fla.) wide receiver James Robinson came on strong at the end of Saturday just missing the top performers list. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound target had a beautiful one-handed catch that was thrown behind him, which he was able to then turn up field for a big gain. Robinson followed that will a nice touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone and an impressive grab on a point after conversion over a pair of defenders.

— Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage cornerback Patrick Surtain II is one of a handful of 2018 prospects taking part in this weekend’s camp. Despite being younger than most prospects competing, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound corner more than held his own and certainly looked as if he belonged on the field with the nation’s top rising seniors.

— Florida State defensive tackle commit Ja’len Parks did not take part in 1on1s on Saturday as he’s recovering from an abdominal injury. Ft. Myers (Fla.) all-purpose back Darrian Feliex also did not participate in 7on7 action as he deals with a hamstring injury.

— Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy tight end Tre’ McKitty took a nasty hit on crossing route that saw four players hit the ground. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound prospect took took the brunt of the blow and was held out of action the rest of the day for precautionary reason. He is expected to return Sunday.

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John Garcia, Jr. ?@JohnGarcia_Jr 2m2 minutes ago Vapor Speed wins the 7On title at #TheOpening 2016. 38-20.

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Tagovailoa earned MVP honors for the 7 on 7 tournament from The Opening. He was also recognized as Elite 11 MVP for his performance throughout the week.

He becomes the second Alabama commit to win the honor, as current redshirt freshman Blake Barnett won the award in 2014. Rising sophomore receiver Calvin Ridley was the Opening MVP that same summer.

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Don't make me cut you

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