Justyn Ross to enter national scene at The Opening finals

Come noon on Wednesday, Central wide receiver Justyn Ross will be on his way toward another highlight in his football career with the Red Devils.

Ross is leaving Wednesday on his way to Oregon to participate in the 2017 edition of The Opening finals, an event orchestrated by Nike Football. The event features 166 of the top football players in the country and gives them the chance to compete, train and grow their games on the same field. The entire event runs from June 28 to July 3, according to its website.

Ross earned his spot in the finals in March with a good showing at regionals in Atlanta. For Ross, who is a five-star wide receiver considered the top player in Alabama, the goals for the event are simple.

“I just want to go there and have a great experience,” Ross said. “I want to show the nation why I’m one of the top receivers.”

Ross becomes the second Central player to participate in The Opening, joining soon-to-be Alabama linebacker Markail Benton. For Central head coach Jamey DuBose, the invitation alone is something worth celebrating.

“I think it’s an honor,” DuBose said. “These are honors for these special guys who have special talents, and I think Justyn’s very deserving of it. I’m excited for him, and I’m excited for our football program. A lot of our players, they get excited for the guys that do this because it brings a lot of attention to our football program.”

Ross has gotten a lot of attention leading up to his senior season in the recruiting realm. He cleared up his recruiting race on June 28, saying Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida and Florida State were his top five schools. He said he based the list on a number of things, such as the best relationships, the fit and the depth chart outlook.

Ross, like most recruits, hears plenty of feedback and input from fans on social media, though Ross said he brushes it off.

“I don’t let it get to my head,” Ross said. “I just stay levelheaded and keep grinding with my team.”

DuBose said this is only Ross’ second or third combine ever, listing the Under Armour Future 50 as the other he knew about. His lack of camps certainly haven’t affected his college options, something DuBose pointed out.

“There are football players who are combine players in this world, and there are football players who are real football players,” DuBose said. “Justyn Ross is a real football player.”

DuBose applauded Ross’ work ethic, explaining that it is a big reason he’s gotten opportunities like this trip to Oregon.

“You can give him what he has to do, and he goes and gets it done,” DuBose said. “He’s not a guy who runs from work or sweat; he runs to it. I think that’s why he’s where he’s at now. I think he’s got the world in front of him.”

This story was originally published June 27, 2017 at 2:37 PM with the headline "Justyn Ross to enter national scene at The Opening finals."