Nike’s The Opening, an invite-only combine event featuring 162 of the top prospects in the nation (primarily class of 2014 prospects), is underway at Nike Headquarters in Oregon. UVa-bound rising seniors Andrew Brown are there and fans may get a chance to see both in action this week.
On Monday, combine testing took center stage. Players participated in the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, power ball and vertical leap. Once all of the testing is completed, the players earn a SPARQ rating, which measures overall athletic ability. Neither Blanding nor Brown made the SPARQ finals, but they both performed pretty well.
Brown, who measured in at 6’4″, 295 pounds, posted a 5.06-second 40, a 4.47-second shuttle, and a 29-inch vertical. A 40 time was not recorded for Blanding, but the 6’2″, 209-pound Bayside (Virginia Beach, VA) standout posted a 4.18-second shuttle and a 36.8-inch vertical.
New Orleans (LA) rising senior athlete Speedy Noil won the title for top SPARQ rating.
The 7-on-7 and linemen competitions highlight the coverage on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fans can watch the 7-on-7 pool play on ESPNU Tuesday evening from 9-11:30. On Wednesday night, from 9-12, ESPNU will televise the Linemen Challenge Finals (featuring the top OL versus DL) as well as the 7-on-7 semifinals and final.
Brown likely will end up in the Linemen Challenge Finals, while fans can watch Blanding play for Team Vapor Carbon in 7-on-7 action.
For full coverage including videos and articles, check out the official website of The Opening by clicking here. TheSabre.com plans to catch up with UVa’s recruits following the event for more.
