After a very long weekend, I am back from the NJSIAA state wrestling tournament down in AC. I was able to witness some awesome wrestling and watch and evaluate some future Rutgers wrestlers, and see the coaching staff taking in the action as well.
For those who did not see the results, Jojo Aragona and Rob Kanniard brought home state titles, the first for both wrestlers. Connor O’Neil was defeated by Rob Kanniard in the 160-pound final while John Poznanski took 2nd to Chris Foca. Cody Harrison reached the semifinals, before placing 3rd at 160.
All-in-all, I’d say there is a lot to be excited about in these five. The future is bright for Rutgers with the in-state recruits they have coming over the next two years. I made some mental notes while watching the wrestling in Atlantic City, and here is what I came home with after another exciting New Jersey state tournament.
Most D1 Ready: Rob Kanniard
Kanniard is unbelievably smooth in his offense from his feet. He made Connor O’Neil look silly at moments with his hand fight, and that’s not an insult to O’Neil, but a testament to how great Kanniard is on his feet. The Wall Crimson Knight really makes it look effortless out there, and I believe he can immediately fill a slot in the Rutgers’ lineup next season.
Most Complete Wrestler: Jojo Aragona
Jojo is the most well-rounded wrestler coming in over the next two seasons. Aragona is good in all three areas of the sport. Aragona can get a little sloppy from time-to-time, but a lot of the sloppiness comes from Aragona’s aggression, quickness, and desire to constantly score points. Cleaning up his technique is an easy fix in a college room. It can be expected to see Aragona make the NCAA podium one or more times over the next five years.
Biggest Upside: John Poznanski
I told several people that they should pay attention to the Poznanski/Foca final, as I felt it would be a great match. Each person told me I was crazy, as they felt Foca would pick apart Poznanski. Following the match, I went back to every one of those people to tell them, “I told you so”.
Most people would have thought I would pick Jojo Aragona for this category. However, Poznanski, who is just a junior, showed some great potential this weekend. He picked apart Stanford recruit, Nick Addison, in the semifinals. Then went on to give Chris Foca everything he could handle in the 182 final.
Poznanski moves his feet very well, and has a great hand fight. His ability to scramble is impressive for a big man, showing he’s not just some big muscle head. This kid can wrestle, and wrestle damn well. With another year of high school under his belt, Poznanski could very well be a D1 ready wrestler his first day on the banks in 2020.
Must Get Recruits:
· Dean Peterson (113lb So. St. John Vianney)
· Anthony Clark (120lb Jr. Delbarton)
· Vincent Santaniello (113lb So. Brick Memorial)
Yes, I know…they are all future 125lbers, and the fans want big guys. Quite frankly, the state of New Jersey, minus John Poznanski (who RU has), Chris Foca, Jacob Cardenas, and Lewis Fernades is weak up top. If Rutgers wants big men, we’ll have to find them elsewhere.
However, the three mentioned above are absolute studs. It has been said that Peterson is a surefire Rider commit. If he makes that mistake, RU should welcome Vin Santaniello with open arms. That kid impressed the hell out of me this weekend. Santaniello is tough as nails and loves to compete.
Anthony Clark, a normal fixture at SKWC practices, is a 2x state champ, 3x finalist, who is still on the market heading into his senior season in 2019 – 20.
For those who did not see the results, Jojo Aragona and Rob Kanniard brought home state titles, the first for both wrestlers. Connor O’Neil was defeated by Rob Kanniard in the 160-pound final while John Poznanski took 2nd to Chris Foca. Cody Harrison reached the semifinals, before placing 3rd at 160.
All-in-all, I’d say there is a lot to be excited about in these five. The future is bright for Rutgers with the in-state recruits they have coming over the next two years. I made some mental notes while watching the wrestling in Atlantic City, and here is what I came home with after another exciting New Jersey state tournament.
Most D1 Ready: Rob Kanniard
Kanniard is unbelievably smooth in his offense from his feet. He made Connor O’Neil look silly at moments with his hand fight, and that’s not an insult to O’Neil, but a testament to how great Kanniard is on his feet. The Wall Crimson Knight really makes it look effortless out there, and I believe he can immediately fill a slot in the Rutgers’ lineup next season.
Most Complete Wrestler: Jojo Aragona
Jojo is the most well-rounded wrestler coming in over the next two seasons. Aragona is good in all three areas of the sport. Aragona can get a little sloppy from time-to-time, but a lot of the sloppiness comes from Aragona’s aggression, quickness, and desire to constantly score points. Cleaning up his technique is an easy fix in a college room. It can be expected to see Aragona make the NCAA podium one or more times over the next five years.
Biggest Upside: John Poznanski
I told several people that they should pay attention to the Poznanski/Foca final, as I felt it would be a great match. Each person told me I was crazy, as they felt Foca would pick apart Poznanski. Following the match, I went back to every one of those people to tell them, “I told you so”.
Most people would have thought I would pick Jojo Aragona for this category. However, Poznanski, who is just a junior, showed some great potential this weekend. He picked apart Stanford recruit, Nick Addison, in the semifinals. Then went on to give Chris Foca everything he could handle in the 182 final.
Poznanski moves his feet very well, and has a great hand fight. His ability to scramble is impressive for a big man, showing he’s not just some big muscle head. This kid can wrestle, and wrestle damn well. With another year of high school under his belt, Poznanski could very well be a D1 ready wrestler his first day on the banks in 2020.
Must Get Recruits:
· Dean Peterson (113lb So. St. John Vianney)
· Anthony Clark (120lb Jr. Delbarton)
· Vincent Santaniello (113lb So. Brick Memorial)
Yes, I know…they are all future 125lbers, and the fans want big guys. Quite frankly, the state of New Jersey, minus John Poznanski (who RU has), Chris Foca, Jacob Cardenas, and Lewis Fernades is weak up top. If Rutgers wants big men, we’ll have to find them elsewhere.
However, the three mentioned above are absolute studs. It has been said that Peterson is a surefire Rider commit. If he makes that mistake, RU should welcome Vin Santaniello with open arms. That kid impressed the hell out of me this weekend. Santaniello is tough as nails and loves to compete.
Anthony Clark, a normal fixture at SKWC practices, is a 2x state champ, 3x finalist, who is still on the market heading into his senior season in 2019 – 20.
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