The Pac-12 as a conference is sending fewer prospects to The Opening committed to member schools (eight) than Ohio State (nine). But with no school sending more than one pledge, even USC, though that does mean that eight schools have a commitment set to compete with the nation’s best.
The Opening 2013: Pac-12 schools represented by eight commits
Of the major conferences, only the Big 12 is sending fewer committed prospects to The Opening.
Arizona State
QB Manny Wilkins, Navata (Calif.) San Marin: At 6’2 and 185 pounds, Wilkins isn’t an underdog based on his size, but holding only two BCS offers, he will be looking to prove that his selection by the Elite 11 staff over recruits with considerably more major offers was justified. Wilkins is a consensus three-star recruit, but his stock has been on the rise. Wilkins was one of the top QBs at the San Francisco Elite 11 Regional Camp. He moved from Texas in the fall of 2011 and started the final four games before having a big junior campaign with 2,200 yards passing, 20 TDs and eight INTs. Also a talented basketball player, he has committed to Arizona State over Arizona, Colorado State, Utah State and Wyoming. Wilkins is on Twitter @Manny_Wilkins11, and his highlights are available here.
Cal
QB Luke Rubenzer, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro: Rubenzer was one of the more controversial selections to the Elite 11 final. Just a consensus three-star recruit, with only one BCS offer, the 6’0, 185-pound Rubenzer will be looking to prove the Elite 11 staff correct and show that he belongs. Rubenzer was dangerous last season with his arm and legs, throwing for 2,834 yards and 36 TDs with just six INTs, while rushing for 1,184 yards and 10 scores. He’s won Div. III All-State honors the last two years and showed his athleticism at the Los Angeles NFTC when he put up a 97.83 SPARQ Rating including a 4.20 shuttle and a 39.5 foot power ball throw. After an impressive Columbus Elite 11, he committed to Cal on June 13. Rubenzer is on Twitter @LukeRubenzer7, and his highlights are available here.
Oregon
QB Morgan Mahalak, Kentfield (Calif.) Marin Catholic: The 6’3, 190-pound Mahalak is a consensus three-star recruit, and is widely considered one of the 10 best dual-threat quarterbacks. But he’ll be looking to show that the Elite 11 staff’s faith in him was justified, and that he is better than his initial rating by the four major industry rankings. He was one of the top QBs at the San Francisco Elite 11 Regional and Oakland NFTC and was noted for his energy, arm strength and accuracy inside and outside the pocket. Mahalak committed to Oregon in late April over offers from Duke, North Carolina State and Oregon State. Mahalak is on Twitter @MorganMahalak, and his highlights are available here.
Stanford
DB Brandon Simmons, Arlington (Texas) Mansfield Timberview: Simmons traveled from Texas to attend the Oakland NFTC in large part so he could visit where he will play his college ball: Stanford. The 6'1, 185-pounder has a 4.2 GPA and on the football field had 101 tackles as a junior to earn All-District 7-5A honors. A consensus four-star prospect, Simmons is on Twitter @GoldenMongoose2.
USC
OL Toa Lobendahn, La Habra (Calif.): Lobendahn was chosen to the L.A. NFTC All-Camp Team and was noted for his versatility to play anywhere along the line. The 6'3, 285-pounder committed early to USC over other Pac-12 offers including Oregon, Stanford and UCLA.
Utah
OL Kenyon Frison, West Valley City (Utah) Granger: The 6'5, 280-pound Frison opened a lot of eyes at the Oakland NFTC where he was called the "revelation of the camp" and made the All-Camp team. He has committed to Utah. Oklahoma and Washington have also offered. Find him on Twitter @lancerpride75.
Washington
TE Chase Blakley, Coeur d'Alene (Idaho): The 6'5, 245-pound Washington commit was the lead dog in a talented group of tight ends at the Oregon NFTC and will follow in the successful footsteps of Austin Sefarian-Jenkins in Seattle. A smooth athlete with good size, Blakley is a force both in the passing and running game and should continue the string of great tight ends for the Huskies as Idaho's second-best prospect in the 2014 class. He's on Twitter @chase_blake208 and will catch passes for the Field Generals.
Washington State
DL Marcus Griffin, Bellevue, (Wash.) : Griffin was the discovery of the Eugene NFTC, where he earned Defensive Line MVP honors. Several scouts felt he was the top attendee of the camp at any position. The 6'2, 300-pounder had 45 tackles and 13 sacks as a junior and has committed to Washington State over offers from Arizona, Colorado, Colorado State, Idaho and Nevada. Find him on Twitter TheRealMG96.
