The Nike Football Opening: Dallas took place on Sunday from The Star in Frisco. Despite the rainfall and cool temperatures, student-athletes and supporting family member made their various individual journeys to Frisco to partake in a showcase involving the state’s most elite talent.
Top prospects, rising stock athletes and some who may be under the radar put their best foot forward in hopes to show what they are made of and possibly receive an invite to The Opening finals.
Four performers from Sunday were given their invitation to The Opening which included DL Cameron Latu, Olympus (Utah), OL Brey Walker, Southmoore (Oklahoma), S Caden Sterns (Cibolo Steele) and S Atanza Vongor (South Grand Prairie).
With so much going on Sunday here are five takeaways from The Opening Dallas.
1. Talent, Talent and More Talent
The Who’s Who of Texas high school football were all under one roof on Sunday. Players such as QB Prince Mavula (Justin Northwest), Stacy Conner (Wylie), RB Deion Hankins (EP Parkland), RB Keaontay Ingram (Carthage), WR Erik Ezukanma (Keller Timber Creek), LB Bumper Pool (Lucas Lovejoy) and a plethora of others were all there showing that when it comes to high school football in Texas, the talent in the state reigns supreme.
2. Technique, Not Speed
Throughout the day, one of the points of emphasis was technique rather than speed. Being fundamentally sound was the premise of the day as footwork, hip movement, hand-eye coordination and body alignment were emphasized heavily. There were those athletes that showed technique and speed and were a sight to see.
3. Size
So there was talent in all shapes and sizes. From 6-7, 320-pound OT Brey Walker (Southmoore, OK) to 5-11, 170-pound QB Cedarious Barfield (EP El Dorado). Every athlete was given their natural frame yet show that talent comes in all shapes and sizes.
4. Representation
All the athletes were enthusiastic in representing their teams and cities in a facility such as The Star. Some had got up as early as three in the morning so they could make it to the registration, others stayed in a hotel the night before while some woke up an hour or two before due to the short travel distance.
5. Camaraderie
You could see that despite many of these players will probably see one another in the course of the season, there is a mutual respect for one another. District rivals were shaking hands, positions rivals were thrilled to get to work with the some of the best competition in the state and everyone who was there realized that despite who your opponent is on Friday night, we all belong to the Texas High School Football family.
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