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Not sure if all this info has been posted yet, but just in case I will copy and paste commit info from Intermat, both RU commits and NJ commits to elsewhere:
https://intermatwrestle.com/recruiting/commitments?sort=name&sort_dir=up#tab
02-12-17Rutgers Robert Cleary Bound brook NJ 141
04-19-17 Rutgers Nick Santos St. Peter's Prep NJ 149
04-20-17 Rutgers Nick DeNora Passaic Valley NJ 125
10-10-16 Rutgers Stephan Glasgow Bound Brook NJ 157
11-04-16 Rutgers Shane Metzler West Morris Central NJ 125
All NJ commits :
10-03-16Columbia Brandon Kui DePaul Catholic NJ 197
10-04-16 American Daniel Percelay DePaul Catholic NJ 125
10-03-16 Army West Point Eric Keosseian Howell NJ 285
10-06-16 Old Dominion George Walton Bound Brook NJ 174/184
10-06-16 Ohio State Chase Singletary Blair Academy NJ 285
10-07-16 North Carolina Nick Mosco Blair Academy NJ 184/197
10-07-16 Stanford Dominick Mandarino Don Bosco Prep NJ 174
10-08-16 Drexel Sean O'Malley Hasbrouck Heights NJ 197
10-09-16 Binghamton Aidan Monteverdi Seton Hall Prepatory NJ 157/165
10-10-16 Rutgers Stephan Glasgow Bound Brook NJ 157
10-12-16 Navy Shane Sosinsky Northern Highlands NJ 184
09-20-16 Virginia Tech Mekhi Lewis Bound Brook NJ 165
09-23-16 Drexel Bryan McLaughlin Woodbridge NJ 174/184
09-28-16 North Carolina Zach Sherman Blair NJ 133/141
10-17-16 Army West Point Travis Layton Woodstown NJ 133
01-13-17 Navy Anthony Duca Paulsboro NJ 125/133
12-18-16 Washington & Lee William Kuenne The Lawrenceville School NJ 184/197
01-17-17 Rider Gary Dinmore Hunderton Central (via Penn State) NJ 149/157
01-22-17 Lehigh Victor Lacombe Hunterdon Central NJ 197/285
02-12-17 Rutgers Robert Cleary Bound brook NJ 141
01-31-17 Roger Williams Alec Corrao Don Bosco Prep NJ 165/174
09-20-16 Navy Dillon Taylor Saint Augustine Prep NJ 149/157
08-14-16 Maryland Kyle Cochran Paramus NJ 165/174
08-30-16 Princeton Mark Schleifer East Brunswick NJ 125
09-09-16 Drexel Sean OMalley Hasbrouck Heights NJ 197/285
10-26-16 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Michael Ilic Parsippany NJ 174
11-23-16 Sacred Heart Nicholas Fierro Verona NJ 165/174
12-05-16 Bucknell Joey Schiele Morris Hills NJ 165/174
12-07-16 Bucknell Matt Kolonia Delaware Valley NJ 133/141
11-01-16 Penn Gianni Ghione Brick Memorial NJ 141
11-01-16 Buffalo Nick Palumbo Lenape Valley NJ 149
11-02-16 Sacred Heart TJ Calas Seton Hall Prep NJ 157/165
11-14-16 Sacred Heart Zach Martin Toms River South NJ 133
11-15-16 Kutztown Dominic Maniero Queen of Peace NJ 184
11-09-16 Limestone Avery DiNardi Holy Cross NJ 157
11-04-16 Rutgers Shane Metzler West Morris Central NJ 125
11-10-16 Sacred Heart Patrick O'Donnell Toms River North 174 01-30-17 Sacred Heart Chris Zaccaria West Essex NJ 157/165
05-01-17 East Stroudsburg Victor Lopez West Orange NJ 125
04-29-17 Rider Damian Maver DePaul Catholic NJ 133
04-20-17 Rutgers Nick DeNora Passaic Valley NJ 125
04-26-17 New England Vasili Cook Cedar Grove NJ 157/165
04-23-17 Gannon Evan Fisler Washington Township NJ 141/149
04-23-17 East Stroudsburg Hunter Marhan Long Branch NJ 197/285
04-21-17 East Stroudsburg Marquan Payne Woodbridge NJ 149/157
04-21-17 East Stroudsburg Peter Nace Hunterdon Central NJ 125
04-22-17 Coast Guard Academy Matt McGowan Jackson Memorial NJ 133/141
04-20-17Gettysburg Philip Angelo Summit NJ 141/149
04-19-17 Rutgers Nick Santos St. Peter's Prep NJ 149
04-17-17 Rider Joseph (Matt) McKenzie Wall Township NJ 184/197
04-15-17 New England Tom Riley Vorhees NJ 149/157
04-15-17 NYU Matt Noble DePaul Catholic (via Bloomsburg) NJ 133
04-14-17 North Carolina State Trace Kinner Kingsway Regional NJ 141
04-14-17 Gannon Keith Swartley Cinnaminson NJ 285
04-12-17 New England Matthew Burack Livingston NJ 141/149
04-12-17 New England Colton Riley Vorhees NJ 125
04-12-17 New England Devan Thomas Vorhees NJ 149/157
04-08-17 Ithaca Alec Corrao Don Bosco Prep NJ 157/165
04-13-17 NYU James Murdoch Clifton NJ 149/157
02-07-16 Bucknell Eric Chakonis Don Bosco Prep NJ 285
04-06-17 Western New England Wayde Kenney Butler NJ 149/157
03-24-17 Gannon Brandon Felkins Burlington Township NJ 157/165
03-24-17 Edinboro Philip (P.J.) Gohn Parsippany NJ 125/133
https://intermatwrestle.com/recruiting/commitments?sort=name&sort_dir=up#tab
02-12-17Rutgers Robert Cleary Bound brook NJ 141
04-19-17 Rutgers Nick Santos St. Peter's Prep NJ 149
04-20-17 Rutgers Nick DeNora Passaic Valley NJ 125
10-10-16 Rutgers Stephan Glasgow Bound Brook NJ 157
11-04-16 Rutgers Shane Metzler West Morris Central NJ 125
All NJ commits :
10-03-16Columbia Brandon Kui DePaul Catholic NJ 197
10-04-16 American Daniel Percelay DePaul Catholic NJ 125
10-03-16 Army West Point Eric Keosseian Howell NJ 285
10-06-16 Old Dominion George Walton Bound Brook NJ 174/184
10-06-16 Ohio State Chase Singletary Blair Academy NJ 285
10-07-16 North Carolina Nick Mosco Blair Academy NJ 184/197
10-07-16 Stanford Dominick Mandarino Don Bosco Prep NJ 174
10-08-16 Drexel Sean O'Malley Hasbrouck Heights NJ 197
10-09-16 Binghamton Aidan Monteverdi Seton Hall Prepatory NJ 157/165
10-10-16 Rutgers Stephan Glasgow Bound Brook NJ 157
10-12-16 Navy Shane Sosinsky Northern Highlands NJ 184
09-20-16 Virginia Tech Mekhi Lewis Bound Brook NJ 165
09-23-16 Drexel Bryan McLaughlin Woodbridge NJ 174/184
09-28-16 North Carolina Zach Sherman Blair NJ 133/141
10-17-16 Army West Point Travis Layton Woodstown NJ 133
01-13-17 Navy Anthony Duca Paulsboro NJ 125/133
12-18-16 Washington & Lee William Kuenne The Lawrenceville School NJ 184/197
01-17-17 Rider Gary Dinmore Hunderton Central (via Penn State) NJ 149/157
01-22-17 Lehigh Victor Lacombe Hunterdon Central NJ 197/285
02-12-17 Rutgers Robert Cleary Bound brook NJ 141
01-31-17 Roger Williams Alec Corrao Don Bosco Prep NJ 165/174
09-20-16 Navy Dillon Taylor Saint Augustine Prep NJ 149/157
08-14-16 Maryland Kyle Cochran Paramus NJ 165/174
08-30-16 Princeton Mark Schleifer East Brunswick NJ 125
09-09-16 Drexel Sean OMalley Hasbrouck Heights NJ 197/285
10-26-16 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Michael Ilic Parsippany NJ 174
11-23-16 Sacred Heart Nicholas Fierro Verona NJ 165/174
12-05-16 Bucknell Joey Schiele Morris Hills NJ 165/174
12-07-16 Bucknell Matt Kolonia Delaware Valley NJ 133/141
11-01-16 Penn Gianni Ghione Brick Memorial NJ 141
11-01-16 Buffalo Nick Palumbo Lenape Valley NJ 149
11-02-16 Sacred Heart TJ Calas Seton Hall Prep NJ 157/165
11-14-16 Sacred Heart Zach Martin Toms River South NJ 133
11-15-16 Kutztown Dominic Maniero Queen of Peace NJ 184
11-09-16 Limestone Avery DiNardi Holy Cross NJ 157
11-04-16 Rutgers Shane Metzler West Morris Central NJ 125
11-10-16 Sacred Heart Patrick O'Donnell Toms River North 174 01-30-17 Sacred Heart Chris Zaccaria West Essex NJ 157/165
05-01-17 East Stroudsburg Victor Lopez West Orange NJ 125
04-29-17 Rider Damian Maver DePaul Catholic NJ 133
04-20-17 Rutgers Nick DeNora Passaic Valley NJ 125
04-26-17 New England Vasili Cook Cedar Grove NJ 157/165
04-23-17 Gannon Evan Fisler Washington Township NJ 141/149
04-23-17 East Stroudsburg Hunter Marhan Long Branch NJ 197/285
04-21-17 East Stroudsburg Marquan Payne Woodbridge NJ 149/157
04-21-17 East Stroudsburg Peter Nace Hunterdon Central NJ 125
04-22-17 Coast Guard Academy Matt McGowan Jackson Memorial NJ 133/141
04-20-17Gettysburg Philip Angelo Summit NJ 141/149
04-19-17 Rutgers Nick Santos St. Peter's Prep NJ 149
04-17-17 Rider Joseph (Matt) McKenzie Wall Township NJ 184/197
04-15-17 New England Tom Riley Vorhees NJ 149/157
04-15-17 NYU Matt Noble DePaul Catholic (via Bloomsburg) NJ 133
04-14-17 North Carolina State Trace Kinner Kingsway Regional NJ 141
04-14-17 Gannon Keith Swartley Cinnaminson NJ 285
04-12-17 New England Matthew Burack Livingston NJ 141/149
04-12-17 New England Colton Riley Vorhees NJ 125
04-12-17 New England Devan Thomas Vorhees NJ 149/157
04-08-17 Ithaca Alec Corrao Don Bosco Prep NJ 157/165
04-13-17 NYU James Murdoch Clifton NJ 149/157
02-07-16 Bucknell Eric Chakonis Don Bosco Prep NJ 285
04-06-17 Western New England Wayde Kenney Butler NJ 149/157
03-24-17 Gannon Brandon Felkins Burlington Township NJ 157/165
03-24-17 Edinboro Philip (P.J.) Gohn Parsippany NJ 125/133
3x All-American
Cooperman Joins New York Regional Training Center as Head Freestyle Coach
http://www.newyorkwrestlingnews.com/news_article/show/783493?referrer_id=1024554
Cooperman Joins New York Regional Training Center as Head Freestyle Coach
http://www.newyorkwrestlingnews.com/news_article/show/783493?referrer_id=1024554
WELCOME NEW COACHES
Scorpions is proud to announce two new additions to our coaching staff.
Anthony Giraldo
and
Gabriel Roman
Anthony trained at Scorpions during his youth years and returns back to us to help our youth and high school level wrestlers get to the next level. We are very excited to have him back in our room. Here are a few of his many wresting accomplishments:
4x NJSIAA district champ
4x NJSIAA region champ
4x Bergen county champ
4x NJSIAA state medalist
2x NJSIAA state champion
Beast of the East Champion
Cadet freestyle FILA finalist
Pan American Games bronze meadlist
Cadet Greco World team member
D1 NCAA qualifier for Rutgers University
Gabriel joins our Scorpions family with much experience training youth and high school wrestlers. We are thrilled to have him become part of our club. Here are a few of his many wrestling accomplishments:
2x NJSIAA District Champion
Middlesex county champ
NJSIAA place winner
3x HS National Cahmp
3x NAIA College All American
100 plus NAIA College career wins
Ranked #2 NAIA 2015
2017 MAWA Eastern National champ
Currently, Anthony and Gabriel are running our freestyle and greco classes on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30. Anthony and Gabriel will be training in the Elite classes, as well as the high school class. Both are availble for privates right away. Contact the office to set up times.
Scorpions is proud to announce two new additions to our coaching staff.
Anthony Giraldo
and
Gabriel Roman
Anthony trained at Scorpions during his youth years and returns back to us to help our youth and high school level wrestlers get to the next level. We are very excited to have him back in our room. Here are a few of his many wresting accomplishments:
4x NJSIAA district champ
4x NJSIAA region champ
4x Bergen county champ
4x NJSIAA state medalist
2x NJSIAA state champion
Beast of the East Champion
Cadet freestyle FILA finalist
Pan American Games bronze meadlist
Cadet Greco World team member
D1 NCAA qualifier for Rutgers University
Gabriel joins our Scorpions family with much experience training youth and high school wrestlers. We are thrilled to have him become part of our club. Here are a few of his many wrestling accomplishments:
2x NJSIAA District Champion
Middlesex county champ
NJSIAA place winner
3x HS National Cahmp
3x NAIA College All American
100 plus NAIA College career wins
Ranked #2 NAIA 2015
2017 MAWA Eastern National champ
Currently, Anthony and Gabriel are running our freestyle and greco classes on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30. Anthony and Gabriel will be training in the Elite classes, as well as the high school class. Both are availble for privates right away. Contact the office to set up times.
#1 - Cornell
5 Year Cycle: #13, NR, #5, NR, #8
Top 100 Recruits:No. 3 Yianni Diakomihalis, NY (141)
No. 4 Vito Arujau, NY (133)
No. 54 Jake Brindley, FL (157/165)
No. 59 Seth Janney, PA (197/285)
No. 65 Andrew Berreyesa, NV (174/184)
No. 70 Brendan Furman, PA (285)
Others: Dominic LaJoie, MI (125);Hunter Richard, NY (149/157); Sammy Cokeley, KS (165); John Stawinski, VT (165)
In Ithaca: Cornell is coming off of an eighth place in St. Louis, but have to replace major points from Dylan Palacio, Brian Realbuto, and Gabe Dean. The Big Red will now reload will five top 100 recruits, including two transcendent homegrown talents in Yianni Diakomihalis and Vito Arujau.
Why They’re Here: Anytime your class is anchored by two Cadet world finalists who may start right out of the gates next year, you will usually find yourself at the top of the rankings. The Big Red have historically struggled at heavyweight, but should be in great position moving forward with Janney and Furman stepping on campus. Four-time Florida state champ Jake Brindley will look to replace Palacio at 157, and double Fargo All-American Andrew Berreyesa will look to replace Realbuto at 174.
Needs For Next Year: 157/174. Yianni and Vito will man 41 and 49 eventually. And Cornell got a gem in Brandon Womack at 165. Max Dean will fill his the slot vacated by his brother. But the solution at 57 and 74 are unclear.
Flashback Stat: Five years ago the Big Red brought in Dylan Palacio, Brian Realbuto, and Gabe Dean. The trio left Cornell after claiming a combined nine All-Americans honors, four NCAA finals appearances, and Gabe Dean’s two NCAA titles. Could this class have the same level of production?
#2 - Iowa
5 year cycle: #3, #9, #12, #21, #1
Top 100 Recruits: No. 2 Spencer Lee, PA (125)
No. 7 Jacob Warner, IL (197)
No. 44 Max Murin, PA (141)
No. 79 Aaron Costello, IA (285)
Others: Luke Troy, CA (157/165); Myles Wilson, CO (174/184)
In Iowa City: A year after failing to bring home a trophy from the NCAA Tournament, the Hawks rebounded with a fourth place finish in St. Louis. Very similar to Minnesota’s situation a couple years ago, Iowa loses a ton of credentialed starters; five starters, four of which were All Americans, graduate. The Hawkeyes are undergoing a major overhaul with at least half their starters next year being Freshmen or Sophomores.
Why They’re Here: Despite having a smaller class than some teams ranked behind them, the Hawkeyes find themselves in the top five after nabbing two of the nation’s top ten pound for pound wrestlers in weights they needed to fill. How do you follow up Matt McDonough, Cory Clark, and Thomas Gilman? With three-time world champion Spencer Lee of course. Lee should be a lifetime 125-pounder which is maybe the hardest thing to find in college wrestling. Iowa also got their future at 197 with Illinois’ hammer Jacob Warner, an elite recruit at a weight that is thin nationally.
Needs For Next Year: For a few years after Brent Metcalf, Iowa struggled to find a productive 149-pounder, but Brandon Sorensen has locked down the spot and is well on his way to becoming a four-time All-American. However, he’s gone next year and the Hawkeyes will again be looking to fill a major void. Can Happel be the guy? Could Kemerer move down? Or does Morningstar turn his attention to a blue chip 149’er?
Flashback Stat: There are two really mind-blowing stats here. The first - the Hawks #1-ranked recruiting class of 2012 included Gilman, Clark, Meyer, Brooks, and Burak. Five AA’s in one class. Pretty amazing. Contrast that with the fact that their classes of 2013 and 2014 produced just one AA (Sorenson).
#3 - Penn State
5 year cycle: #2, #18, #1, #6, #18
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 4 Nick Lee, IN (141)
No. 6 Brady Berge, MN (149/157)
No. 20 Jarod Verkleeren, PA (149)
Others: Joey Blumer, PA (149/157); James Hoeg, NY (197)
In State College: The dynasty continued in St. Louis as Penn State won their fifth national title in six years. Oh, and all five national champs and every starter from a year ago (except Jimmy Gulibon) return.
Why They’re Here: The late flip of Verkleeren makes it three Top 20 recruits. Nick Lee graduated high school early and has already been in the Nittany Lion room for awhile now and owns a senior level win over Alan Waters. The nice thing about these three recruits (beyond their proven abilities) is that they possess line-up flexibility. Lee could go 33 or 41, and Verkleeren and Berge can probably slot in (in some permutation) for Zain and Nolf.
Needs For Next Year: The Lions don’t need much, if anything. In 2017-2018, everyone returns. In 2018-2019 everyone returns except for Zain (and possibly Nick Nevills). Penn State has what appears to be the #1 class coming in next year. It’s perhaps the most complete and utterly dominant recruiting effort ever. That being said, keep an eye on PSU targeting a 197 - perhaps Michael Beard or Gavin Hoffman.
Flashback Stat: Every single PSU recruiting class in the last four years, and five of the last six, has produced an individual national champion: Mark Hall (2016), Vincenzo Joseph (2015), Nolf and Nickal (2014), Zain (2013), Nico (2011).
#4 - Ohio State
5 year cycle: #8, #6, #2, #9, #9
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 10 Chase Singletary, NJ (285)
No. 16 Kaleb Romero, OH (174/184)
No. 33 Ethan Smith, MD (174/184)
Transfer - Te’Shan Campbell, PA (165), Dayton Racer, IA (157/165)
Others: Zach Steiner, OH (174/184); Brakan Mead, OH (125); Ryan Ferro, OH (157); Jamar Williams, MD (174); Jamien Hood, OH (125/133)
In Columbus: The Buckeyes are coming off of an outstanding finish to the season where they stunned Penn State to win the Big 10 title and closed out the season with a school record six All-Americans and a runner-up finish at the NCAA Tournament. With final NCAA placings of 2nd, 3rd, 1st, Buckeye wrestling has never been so bright nor consistent.
Why They’re Here: The Buckeyes find themselves so high after landing the likely replacements for Kyle Snyder, Bo Jordan, and Myles Martin. Heavyweight can be one of the toughest weights to fill and Tom Ryan hit a homerun with Chase Singletary. The Blair standout has dominated the high school scene the past two years and continues the trend of smaller more athletic heavyweights. Despite being ranked so high, Kaleb Romero is one of the most underrated guys in the country and should excel now focusing on wrestling full-time. Finally the Buckeyes got a steal when Ethan Smith flipped his commitment from Iowa State to Ohio State. Romero and Smith should lock down 174 and 184 for years to come for the scarlet and gray.
Needs For Next Year: Like Penn State, The Buckeyes are really young, and have a stocked cupboard. That being said, in the next two classes, they are bringing in a ton of 125lbers that may or may not be the answer.
Flashback Stat: I’ve never ranked an Ohio State recruiting class under Tom Ryan less than 9th.
#5 - Oklahoma State
5 year cycle: #12, #2, #4, #8, #4
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 1 Daton Fix, OK (125/133)
No. 15 Kaden Gfeller, OK (149)
Others: Jet Taylor, OK (125/133); Christian Bahl, OK (174/184), Bear Hughes, OK (197)
In Stillwater: In the history of John Smith’s storied coaching career he had never had eight All-Americans in a season. Until this year. While the Cowboys might have been disappointed with the third place finish, they have plenty to be optimistic about with six All-Americans returning to Stillwater.
Why They’re Here: The Cowboys find themselves with another top five class thanks to Daton Fix. The two-time world medalist is a transcendent talent and hasn’t lost a folkstyle match since 2015. Kaden Gfeller is another outstanding talent that should provide the Cowboys a number of years of service in the middle of the lineup.
Needs For Next Year: Depth in the upperweights as they’ll start freshmen at 84 and heavy and Weigel, a JR, at 197.
Flashback Stat: The Cowboys’ #2 class of 2015 have four starting seasons among them with an AA in each - two from Joe, and one from both Piccininni and Brock.
#6 - Oklahoma
5 Year Cycle: NR, #12, #11, #19, #6
Top 100 Recruits:No. 18 Jake Woodley, PA (197)
No. 22 Tanner Litterell, OK (141/149)
No. 31 Anthony Mantanona, CA (174)
No. 43 Dom Demas, OH (149)
Others: Kyle Lawson, OH (165/174); Matthew Waddell, GA (184); Jake Boyd, MO (197)
In Norman: Lou Roselli’s first year at Oklahoma saw the Sooners qualify an outstanding eight wrestlers to the NCAA Tournament, but they finished with no All-Americans and the farthest any Sooner wrestler made it was the round of 16. With four of those NCAA qualifying wrestlers returning, and his first recruiting class getting on campus, expect the Sooners to take a jump next year.
Why They’re Here: While Lou Rosselli will be entering his second season at Oklahoma, this will be his first recruiting class as he didn’t get to Norman until August. And what a class it is! Four Top 50’s and recruits from six different states including two from Ohio. Rosselli was also able to keep one of the state’s best talents in Tanner Litterell away from Stillwater, something Mark Cody struggled to do. From Cali, Anthony Mantanona, who can be inconsistent at times, is an undeniable and ultra-athletic talent. Overall a great class where upside abounds including the three not on the SR Top 100.
Needs For Next Year: The graduation of four-time All-American Cody Brewer left the Sooners with a glaring need at 133. They failed to qualify the weight this year for the NCAA Tournament and with no lightweights coming in this class, expect the Sooners to make this weight a priority. The other glaring hole for the Sooners is heavyweight. Four-time NCAA qualifier Ross Larson is now gone leaving Tennessee native Rex Shotts as the only heavyweight on the roster.
Flashback Stat: You’re not going to believe this, but the last 5 years of Sooner recruiting classes have produced just one All American - Ryan Millhof, who is now at Arizona State.
#7 - Virginia Tech
5 year cycle: NR, #11, #15, #4, #23
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 19 Mekhi Lewis, NJ (157/165)
No. 24 John Borst, VA (197)
No. 50 Hunter Bolen, VA (165)
Others: Cole Manley, PA (133/141); Jeff Allen, VA (197/285)
In Blacksburg: Despite not coming home with a trophy this year, the Hokies finished in the top 10 for the fifth consecutive year at the NCAA Tournament. Kevin Dresser may be gone to Iowa State, but the Hokies aren’t going anywhere. Tony Robie made waves when he announced the hirings of Olympians Frank Molinaro and Jared Frayer, and Virginia Tech returns four All-Americans.
Why They’re Here: John Borst and Mekhi Lewis are the two that standout in this class. Since last spring Borst has won NHSCA Nationals, was a runner-up in Fargo, Super 32 champ, Beast of the East champ, was an Escape the Rock runner-up, and won his third Virginia state title. Borst will slot in perfectly after Jared Haught graduates next year. Mekhi Lewis adds some serious firepower to the Tech middle weights after finishing his scholastic career on a 70 match win streak and picking up his second New Jersey state title. Virginia Tech has struggled the past few years at 133 and FloNationals champ Cole Manley will look to bring stabilization to that weight for the Hokies.
Needs For Next Year: The good news is that between McFadden, Lewis, and Bolen they have excellent talent. What they have to figure out is what weights they’ll wrestle. Is it possible one of them bulks up and takes over for the early departure of Zach Epperly? The line up is super young; you could potentially see as many as six Frosh in the line-up with three (Kyle Norstrem, Brent Moore, and Andrew Dunn) being certainties and Manley, Jerrett Degen, and Bolen/Lewis also possibilities. With Mitch Moore (OH/133) already in tow for 2018, the only real need for Tech is an 84 for the post ZZ Top era.
Flashback Stat: I dubbed Tech’s 2013 class #4 in the country and man, did they deliver. Three (Dance, Epperly, and Haught) became Top 5 guys and they got some good miles out of Gustafson and Kevin Norstrem.
#8 - Nebraska
5 year cycle: #5, #19, #6, #3, #11
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 5 Mikey Labriola, PA (165/174/184)
No. 32 Jason Renteria, IL (133/141)
No. 56 Wyatt Wriedt, IA (285)
Others: Tucker Sjomeling, MN (133); Trevor Nichelson, (184/197); Colton Wolfe, NE (197)
In Lincoln: Nebraska has placed between 8th and 13th at NCAA’s every year for the last five years while being perennially among the leaders in blood round losses. Which means ‘they’re close’. Looking at their 5-year cycle, this class joins three other Top 10’s from prior years which should help them continue their consistency.
Why They’re Here: Labriola proved to be a gem of the 2017 class. In addition to his accolades alone, it’s a consensus that his style translates to college. Multiple AA and a trip to the finals are not outlandish expectations for him. The hope for Renteria is that he is a key cog in the lightweights with future AA potential. The only real concern here is how they can manage to get both Labriola and prize 2016 recruit Beau Breske in the line-up.
Needs For Next Year: It’s unlikely Labriola will be able to hold 165 for multiple years, so the Huskers desperately need a solution there. The upperweights are set for the foreseeable future (Nebraska’s last five starting weights could all be freshmen), but the lightweights, could use some depth.
Flashback Stat: How important are recruiting classes? Nebraska will start four guys from last year’s #5 class and just one from 2015’s #19 class.
#9 - Michigan
5 year cycle: NR, #10, #18, #1, #5
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 28 Jelani Embree, MI (184)
No. 34 Ben Freeman, MI (141/149)
No. 38 Layne Van Anrooy, OR (157/165)
No. 57 Andrew Davison, IN (184/197)
Transfer - Kevin Beazley, MI (197)
Others: Drew Mattin, OH (125/133), Reece Hughes, MI (149); Zachery Nemec, IL (285)
In Ann Arbor: Despite redshirting three starters and two All-Americans last season, Michigan still managed a top ten finish at the NCAA Tournament. Add Alec Pantaleo, Domenic Abounader, and Adam Coon back into a lineup with Stevan Micic, Logan Massa, and Myles Amine and you are looking at a team with an outside shot at a trophy.
Why They’re Here: Really solid class. Sort of an ‘in between’ class, like Oklahoma and Virginia Tech before them, I don’t know if there’s a national title amongst the group, but there are loads of AA potential and years of starting service seem guaranteed. I initially had this group a couple pegs higher. But looking at their roster, it might be difficult to get both Freeman and Van Anrooy in the line-up quickly. With Micic holding down 33, Freeman would have to beat out a solid Sal Profaci (and others). Van Anrooy looks like he’ll have to contend with either Pantaleo (157) or Massa (165). Should the line-up shake out such that they get more starting years from this group, I could see them performing to a Top 5-ish class.
Needs For Next Year: Michigan has youth everywhere. The only noticeable question mark is, with the departure of Zac Hall, 149. If they struggle at that weight this year, expect to see them address that.
Flashback Stat: If Profaci starts next year, 40% of their line-up will have come from their #10 2015 class that also included Assad, Massa, and Amine.
#10 - (tied) - Virginia
5 year cycle: #16, #7, #16, NR, NR
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 13 Cam Coy, PA, (157)
No. 40 Brian Courtney, PA (133)
No. 71 Quinn Miller, GA (197/285)
No. 81 Brian Kennerly, PA (197/285)
Others: Sam Book, VA (133)
In Charlottesville:Four of the last five years saw the Cavs place Top 25 at NCAA’s. Though with the talent they have had coming in, expectations might be higher going forward. Check on the cycle: four straight classes of #16 or better.
Why They’re Here: Coy spent the majority of his high school career ranked in the top five of his weight class. He and Courtney round out one of the best (based on HS credentials) lightweight lineups with Mueller, Phillippi, and Krivus. UVA will get a HWT starter out of Miller or S32 Champ Kennerly.
Needs For Next Year: Good and young. UVA’s clear needs are 74/84 and perhaps 97.
Flashback Stat: Krivus had a solid first season, but he was part of Virginia’s best recruiting class ever (2015). We’ve yet to see production from his classmates Fox Baldwin or Cam Harrell.
#10 - (tied) North Carolina
5 year cycle: NR, NR, #17, NR, #16
Top 100 RecruitsNo.12 Austin O’Connor, IL (149/157)
No. 48 Zach Sherman, FL (141)
No. 100 Jaime Hernandez, IL (141/149)
Others: Kameron Frame, KS (157); Kendall Frame, KS (165); Hunter Queen, NC (174); Clay Lautt, KS (174/184); Chasen Blair, CA (197); Nick Mosco, FL (197)
In Chapel Hill: The Tarheels posted just 4.5pts at NCAA’s last year and you know how competitive Coleman Scott and Tony Ramos are. They want to get back to winning duals and putting people on the podium.
Why They’re Here: This is the most difficult class to handicap for me this year. Reason #1 - I like O’Connor at 157. I LOVE him at 149. I know, I know. The talent is there and the weight thing will figure itself out. But size, talent, skill set...I think O’Connor climbs the ladder faster at 149. Reason #2 - I don’t know what Jaime Hernandez is right now. He missed most the preseason, the bulk of the regular season (including Ironman) and when he did come back he wasn’t himself. He plummeted from Top 25 to just making the cut. On a positive note, I really like the group of ‘others,’ particularly Lautt and Blair who I think have a ton of upside.
Needs For Next Year With the class they brought in this year and Andrew Gunning (HWT) last year, the upperweights seem secure. Though Coleman is in a total rebuilding process so watch for him to not target specific weights, but to build an overall deeper room.
Flashback Stat: The last time UNC had back-to-back recruiting classes was 2011 (Evan Henderson) and 2012 (Kraisser and Ward).
#12 - Arizona State5 year cycle: NR, #1, NR, NR, NR
]Top 100 Recruits
No. 46 Kordell Norfleet, IL (197)
No. 60 Navonte Demison, CA (149/157)
No. 76 Brandon Courtney, AZ (125)
Others: Dakota Galt, SD (141)
Commentary:While Fargo Champs Courtney and Demison grab more headlines because they compete at more big events, Norfleet is the prospect that intrigues me. The kid could be a national force and fits perfectly into ASU’s future line-up plans.
#13 - Purdue
5 year cycle: #6, NR, NR, NR, NR
Top 100 Recruits
No. 47 Parker Filius
No. 66 Max Lyon
No. 68 Anthony Falbo
Others: Anthony Toineeta, NC (125); Alec White, IN (133); Abdullah Assaf, IL (141); Tanner Webster, IN (174/184);
Jared Florell, MN (184/197); David Eli, IN (197)
]Commentary: Coach Ersland and the new regime back up an excellent #6 class that were all redshirted last year, with three solid guys that all have intrigue and upside. To illustrate how bare the cupboard was before Ersland got there - consider #1) Purdue hadn’t had a ranked recruiting class since 2011, and now they went back-to-back and #2) it looks like more than half their starters next year will be Freshmen or Sophomores that he just recruited.
#14 - Iowa State
5 year cycle: #7, NR, #11, #10, NR
Top 100 Recruits
No. 11 Austin Gomez
No. 78 Marcus Coleman
No. 95 Ryan Leisure
Commentary: It started off as a monster recruiting class that, in addition to the above, included three others (Verkleeren, Allar, Ethan Smith). Still, it’s a good haul after the coaching change. Gomez has been a premier talent for years. But I hedge a little with this ranking. Coleman is talented but inconsistent. Leisure will have a tough job navigating his way into the line-up.
#15 - Binghamton
5 year cycle: NR, NR, NR, #24, NR
Top 100 Recruits
No. 8 Louie Deprez, NY (184)
No. 94 Zach Trampe, PA (141)
Others: Dane Heberlein, NY (133); Matthew Swanson, NY (141); Aiden Monteverde, NJ (165); Jacob Peru, NY (184/197); Joseph Doyle, PA (197)
Commentary: I absolutely love DePrez as a future multi-time AA and perhaps even a finalist. A great job of recruiting here in picking up the #1 recruit at 184 in the nation and plucking PA big school champ Zach Trampe, who has AA potential.
#16 - Missouri
5 year cycle: NR, #8, NR, #7, NR
Top 100 Recruits
No. 37 Jared Campbell
No. 69 Jacob Raschka
No. 84 Alan Hart
Others: Dack Punke, IL (125); Lane Stigall, OR (149/157)
Commentary:I’m not in love with this class, but the talent is there. It remains to be seen if Campbell is an upgrade over Myers. He could be, but it wasn’t a need. And while solid high school wrestlers, I’m not sure if Raschka and Hart are (nationally) major impact guys.
#17 - Princeton
5 year cycle: NR, #16, NR, #20, NR
]Top 100 RecruitsNo. 35 Patrick Brucki, IL (197)
No. 39 Travis Stefanik, PA (174/184)
Others: Mark Schleifer, NJ (125); Jonathan Gomez, NY (133); John Pipa, PA (141/149); Conor Melbourne, NY (149/157); Dale Tiongson, MD (165/174); Kendall Elfstrum, NY (184/197)
Commentary: Ayers and staff set themselves up nicely. Last year’s class just missed the Top 20 following the #16 haul from 2015. The lightweights on the roster are young; the first five starters will all be FR or SO next year. With mainstays Harner and O’Donnell now graduated, look for Areneo to bump to HWT with Schleifer and Baker (both seniors) in the line-up this year and Tiongson, Stefanik, and Brucki anchoring the back half for years to come.
#18 - Brown
5 year cycle: NR, NR, NR, NR, NR
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 49 Bryce Rogers, FL (165/174)
No. 77 AJ Pedro, MA (184)
No. 98 Hunter Kosco, OH (133/141)
Others: Charles Faber, IL (125); Tanner Hood, KS (165); Nino Bastianelli, MI (184/197); Evan Ellis , IN (HWT); James Valentino, IL (HWT)
Commentary Coach Beckerman brings in perhaps Brown’s best class ever.The last Brown recruiting class to register on the national radar was their Honorable Mention class in 2011 which brought Ophir Bernstein. Pedro has placed in every major in the country. Rogers won Super 32. And Kosco beat Jordan Decatur, who began the season at #1, twice this year.
#19 - Wisconsin
5 year cycle: #18, NR, #20, NR, NR
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 21 Trent Hillger
No. 88 Devin Bahr
Others: Paul Konrath, IN (133); Garrett Model, WI (141/149); Tyler Shilson, MN (149/157); Jackson Hemauer, WI (184)
Commentary: I love the pick up of Hillger, especially with the need to fill Medbery’s shoes. Hillger was the highest ranked senior heavyweight at #3 behind JR’s Steveson and Nevills. Bahr, Konrath, and Hemauer provide solid Big Ten-caliber starting potential.
#20 - Navy
5 year cycle: NR, NR, NR, NR, NR
Top 100 Recruits
No. 10 Quentin Hovis, AZ (157)
Others: Ian Timmins, NV (125); Logan Treaster, KS (125); Anthony Duca, NJ (133); Gus Solomon, PA (141); Wyatt Long, PA (141/149); Dillon Taylor, NJ (149/157); Christian Hall, IL (149/157); Tanner Skidgel, OK (157/165); Hampton Boyd, CA (165/174); Shane Sosinsky, NJ (184); Tyler Stepic, OH (184);
Navy’s recruiting classes finally broke into the Top 20 after knocking on the door as Honorable Mention nominees the last two years and three of the last five years. Hovis, who spent the majority of the season ranked #1, presents the Mids with an immediate EIWA title threat at 157. Timmins could be a solid leadoff man for years, and Sosinsky represents solid value. Great group.
Honorable Mention
Drexel: No. 17 Austin DeSanto, PA; No. 86 Bryan McLaughlin, NJ; Alex Salas, Chandler Olson, Evan Barczak; Sean O’Malley, NJ; Vincenzo Pelusi
Oregon State: No. 29 Hunter Willits, No. 61 Grant Willits, Colt Doyle
Army: No. 62 Corey Shie, No. 93 Brad Laughlin, JT Brown, Casey Cornett, Gunnar Larson, Taylor Brown, Taylor Wetzel, Eric Keosseian, Ben Sullivan, Travis Layton, Knox Fuller, Matthew Marino, Brian Earlston
Minnesota:No. 25 Jake Allar, No. 78 Brent Jones, Wade Sullivan, Alex Crowe, Jake Bergeland
Fresno State No. 92 Robert Garcia, No. 96 Gary Joint, Owen Pentz, Isaiah Hokit, Josh Hokit, Christian Olivas, Richie Brandt, Danny Salas, Brandon Martino, Chris Garcia, Beau Colombini, J.J. Figueroa, Emilio Saavedra
Clarion:No. 67 Max Wohlabaugh, Gavin Park, Tyler Bagoly, Toby Cahill, Ryan Ellefsen, Jalin Hankerson, Jake Riegel, Nick Geyer
[/B]
5 Year Cycle: #13, NR, #5, NR, #8
Top 100 Recruits:No. 3 Yianni Diakomihalis, NY (141)
No. 4 Vito Arujau, NY (133)
No. 54 Jake Brindley, FL (157/165)
No. 59 Seth Janney, PA (197/285)
No. 65 Andrew Berreyesa, NV (174/184)
No. 70 Brendan Furman, PA (285)
Others: Dominic LaJoie, MI (125);Hunter Richard, NY (149/157); Sammy Cokeley, KS (165); John Stawinski, VT (165)
In Ithaca: Cornell is coming off of an eighth place in St. Louis, but have to replace major points from Dylan Palacio, Brian Realbuto, and Gabe Dean. The Big Red will now reload will five top 100 recruits, including two transcendent homegrown talents in Yianni Diakomihalis and Vito Arujau.
Why They’re Here: Anytime your class is anchored by two Cadet world finalists who may start right out of the gates next year, you will usually find yourself at the top of the rankings. The Big Red have historically struggled at heavyweight, but should be in great position moving forward with Janney and Furman stepping on campus. Four-time Florida state champ Jake Brindley will look to replace Palacio at 157, and double Fargo All-American Andrew Berreyesa will look to replace Realbuto at 174.
Needs For Next Year: 157/174. Yianni and Vito will man 41 and 49 eventually. And Cornell got a gem in Brandon Womack at 165. Max Dean will fill his the slot vacated by his brother. But the solution at 57 and 74 are unclear.
Flashback Stat: Five years ago the Big Red brought in Dylan Palacio, Brian Realbuto, and Gabe Dean. The trio left Cornell after claiming a combined nine All-Americans honors, four NCAA finals appearances, and Gabe Dean’s two NCAA titles. Could this class have the same level of production?
#2 - Iowa
5 year cycle: #3, #9, #12, #21, #1
Top 100 Recruits: No. 2 Spencer Lee, PA (125)
No. 7 Jacob Warner, IL (197)
No. 44 Max Murin, PA (141)
No. 79 Aaron Costello, IA (285)
Others: Luke Troy, CA (157/165); Myles Wilson, CO (174/184)
In Iowa City: A year after failing to bring home a trophy from the NCAA Tournament, the Hawks rebounded with a fourth place finish in St. Louis. Very similar to Minnesota’s situation a couple years ago, Iowa loses a ton of credentialed starters; five starters, four of which were All Americans, graduate. The Hawkeyes are undergoing a major overhaul with at least half their starters next year being Freshmen or Sophomores.
Why They’re Here: Despite having a smaller class than some teams ranked behind them, the Hawkeyes find themselves in the top five after nabbing two of the nation’s top ten pound for pound wrestlers in weights they needed to fill. How do you follow up Matt McDonough, Cory Clark, and Thomas Gilman? With three-time world champion Spencer Lee of course. Lee should be a lifetime 125-pounder which is maybe the hardest thing to find in college wrestling. Iowa also got their future at 197 with Illinois’ hammer Jacob Warner, an elite recruit at a weight that is thin nationally.
Needs For Next Year: For a few years after Brent Metcalf, Iowa struggled to find a productive 149-pounder, but Brandon Sorensen has locked down the spot and is well on his way to becoming a four-time All-American. However, he’s gone next year and the Hawkeyes will again be looking to fill a major void. Can Happel be the guy? Could Kemerer move down? Or does Morningstar turn his attention to a blue chip 149’er?
Flashback Stat: There are two really mind-blowing stats here. The first - the Hawks #1-ranked recruiting class of 2012 included Gilman, Clark, Meyer, Brooks, and Burak. Five AA’s in one class. Pretty amazing. Contrast that with the fact that their classes of 2013 and 2014 produced just one AA (Sorenson).
#3 - Penn State
5 year cycle: #2, #18, #1, #6, #18
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 4 Nick Lee, IN (141)
No. 6 Brady Berge, MN (149/157)
No. 20 Jarod Verkleeren, PA (149)
Others: Joey Blumer, PA (149/157); James Hoeg, NY (197)
In State College: The dynasty continued in St. Louis as Penn State won their fifth national title in six years. Oh, and all five national champs and every starter from a year ago (except Jimmy Gulibon) return.
Why They’re Here: The late flip of Verkleeren makes it three Top 20 recruits. Nick Lee graduated high school early and has already been in the Nittany Lion room for awhile now and owns a senior level win over Alan Waters. The nice thing about these three recruits (beyond their proven abilities) is that they possess line-up flexibility. Lee could go 33 or 41, and Verkleeren and Berge can probably slot in (in some permutation) for Zain and Nolf.
Needs For Next Year: The Lions don’t need much, if anything. In 2017-2018, everyone returns. In 2018-2019 everyone returns except for Zain (and possibly Nick Nevills). Penn State has what appears to be the #1 class coming in next year. It’s perhaps the most complete and utterly dominant recruiting effort ever. That being said, keep an eye on PSU targeting a 197 - perhaps Michael Beard or Gavin Hoffman.
Flashback Stat: Every single PSU recruiting class in the last four years, and five of the last six, has produced an individual national champion: Mark Hall (2016), Vincenzo Joseph (2015), Nolf and Nickal (2014), Zain (2013), Nico (2011).
#4 - Ohio State
5 year cycle: #8, #6, #2, #9, #9
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 10 Chase Singletary, NJ (285)
No. 16 Kaleb Romero, OH (174/184)
No. 33 Ethan Smith, MD (174/184)
Transfer - Te’Shan Campbell, PA (165), Dayton Racer, IA (157/165)
Others: Zach Steiner, OH (174/184); Brakan Mead, OH (125); Ryan Ferro, OH (157); Jamar Williams, MD (174); Jamien Hood, OH (125/133)
In Columbus: The Buckeyes are coming off of an outstanding finish to the season where they stunned Penn State to win the Big 10 title and closed out the season with a school record six All-Americans and a runner-up finish at the NCAA Tournament. With final NCAA placings of 2nd, 3rd, 1st, Buckeye wrestling has never been so bright nor consistent.
Why They’re Here: The Buckeyes find themselves so high after landing the likely replacements for Kyle Snyder, Bo Jordan, and Myles Martin. Heavyweight can be one of the toughest weights to fill and Tom Ryan hit a homerun with Chase Singletary. The Blair standout has dominated the high school scene the past two years and continues the trend of smaller more athletic heavyweights. Despite being ranked so high, Kaleb Romero is one of the most underrated guys in the country and should excel now focusing on wrestling full-time. Finally the Buckeyes got a steal when Ethan Smith flipped his commitment from Iowa State to Ohio State. Romero and Smith should lock down 174 and 184 for years to come for the scarlet and gray.
Needs For Next Year: Like Penn State, The Buckeyes are really young, and have a stocked cupboard. That being said, in the next two classes, they are bringing in a ton of 125lbers that may or may not be the answer.
Flashback Stat: I’ve never ranked an Ohio State recruiting class under Tom Ryan less than 9th.
#5 - Oklahoma State
5 year cycle: #12, #2, #4, #8, #4
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 1 Daton Fix, OK (125/133)
No. 15 Kaden Gfeller, OK (149)
Others: Jet Taylor, OK (125/133); Christian Bahl, OK (174/184), Bear Hughes, OK (197)
In Stillwater: In the history of John Smith’s storied coaching career he had never had eight All-Americans in a season. Until this year. While the Cowboys might have been disappointed with the third place finish, they have plenty to be optimistic about with six All-Americans returning to Stillwater.
Why They’re Here: The Cowboys find themselves with another top five class thanks to Daton Fix. The two-time world medalist is a transcendent talent and hasn’t lost a folkstyle match since 2015. Kaden Gfeller is another outstanding talent that should provide the Cowboys a number of years of service in the middle of the lineup.
Needs For Next Year: Depth in the upperweights as they’ll start freshmen at 84 and heavy and Weigel, a JR, at 197.
Flashback Stat: The Cowboys’ #2 class of 2015 have four starting seasons among them with an AA in each - two from Joe, and one from both Piccininni and Brock.
#6 - Oklahoma
5 Year Cycle: NR, #12, #11, #19, #6
Top 100 Recruits:No. 18 Jake Woodley, PA (197)
No. 22 Tanner Litterell, OK (141/149)
No. 31 Anthony Mantanona, CA (174)
No. 43 Dom Demas, OH (149)
Others: Kyle Lawson, OH (165/174); Matthew Waddell, GA (184); Jake Boyd, MO (197)
In Norman: Lou Roselli’s first year at Oklahoma saw the Sooners qualify an outstanding eight wrestlers to the NCAA Tournament, but they finished with no All-Americans and the farthest any Sooner wrestler made it was the round of 16. With four of those NCAA qualifying wrestlers returning, and his first recruiting class getting on campus, expect the Sooners to take a jump next year.
Why They’re Here: While Lou Rosselli will be entering his second season at Oklahoma, this will be his first recruiting class as he didn’t get to Norman until August. And what a class it is! Four Top 50’s and recruits from six different states including two from Ohio. Rosselli was also able to keep one of the state’s best talents in Tanner Litterell away from Stillwater, something Mark Cody struggled to do. From Cali, Anthony Mantanona, who can be inconsistent at times, is an undeniable and ultra-athletic talent. Overall a great class where upside abounds including the three not on the SR Top 100.
Needs For Next Year: The graduation of four-time All-American Cody Brewer left the Sooners with a glaring need at 133. They failed to qualify the weight this year for the NCAA Tournament and with no lightweights coming in this class, expect the Sooners to make this weight a priority. The other glaring hole for the Sooners is heavyweight. Four-time NCAA qualifier Ross Larson is now gone leaving Tennessee native Rex Shotts as the only heavyweight on the roster.
Flashback Stat: You’re not going to believe this, but the last 5 years of Sooner recruiting classes have produced just one All American - Ryan Millhof, who is now at Arizona State.
#7 - Virginia Tech
5 year cycle: NR, #11, #15, #4, #23
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 19 Mekhi Lewis, NJ (157/165)
No. 24 John Borst, VA (197)
No. 50 Hunter Bolen, VA (165)
Others: Cole Manley, PA (133/141); Jeff Allen, VA (197/285)
In Blacksburg: Despite not coming home with a trophy this year, the Hokies finished in the top 10 for the fifth consecutive year at the NCAA Tournament. Kevin Dresser may be gone to Iowa State, but the Hokies aren’t going anywhere. Tony Robie made waves when he announced the hirings of Olympians Frank Molinaro and Jared Frayer, and Virginia Tech returns four All-Americans.
Why They’re Here: John Borst and Mekhi Lewis are the two that standout in this class. Since last spring Borst has won NHSCA Nationals, was a runner-up in Fargo, Super 32 champ, Beast of the East champ, was an Escape the Rock runner-up, and won his third Virginia state title. Borst will slot in perfectly after Jared Haught graduates next year. Mekhi Lewis adds some serious firepower to the Tech middle weights after finishing his scholastic career on a 70 match win streak and picking up his second New Jersey state title. Virginia Tech has struggled the past few years at 133 and FloNationals champ Cole Manley will look to bring stabilization to that weight for the Hokies.
Needs For Next Year: The good news is that between McFadden, Lewis, and Bolen they have excellent talent. What they have to figure out is what weights they’ll wrestle. Is it possible one of them bulks up and takes over for the early departure of Zach Epperly? The line up is super young; you could potentially see as many as six Frosh in the line-up with three (Kyle Norstrem, Brent Moore, and Andrew Dunn) being certainties and Manley, Jerrett Degen, and Bolen/Lewis also possibilities. With Mitch Moore (OH/133) already in tow for 2018, the only real need for Tech is an 84 for the post ZZ Top era.
Flashback Stat: I dubbed Tech’s 2013 class #4 in the country and man, did they deliver. Three (Dance, Epperly, and Haught) became Top 5 guys and they got some good miles out of Gustafson and Kevin Norstrem.
#8 - Nebraska
5 year cycle: #5, #19, #6, #3, #11
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 5 Mikey Labriola, PA (165/174/184)
No. 32 Jason Renteria, IL (133/141)
No. 56 Wyatt Wriedt, IA (285)
Others: Tucker Sjomeling, MN (133); Trevor Nichelson, (184/197); Colton Wolfe, NE (197)
In Lincoln: Nebraska has placed between 8th and 13th at NCAA’s every year for the last five years while being perennially among the leaders in blood round losses. Which means ‘they’re close’. Looking at their 5-year cycle, this class joins three other Top 10’s from prior years which should help them continue their consistency.
Why They’re Here: Labriola proved to be a gem of the 2017 class. In addition to his accolades alone, it’s a consensus that his style translates to college. Multiple AA and a trip to the finals are not outlandish expectations for him. The hope for Renteria is that he is a key cog in the lightweights with future AA potential. The only real concern here is how they can manage to get both Labriola and prize 2016 recruit Beau Breske in the line-up.
Needs For Next Year: It’s unlikely Labriola will be able to hold 165 for multiple years, so the Huskers desperately need a solution there. The upperweights are set for the foreseeable future (Nebraska’s last five starting weights could all be freshmen), but the lightweights, could use some depth.
Flashback Stat: How important are recruiting classes? Nebraska will start four guys from last year’s #5 class and just one from 2015’s #19 class.
#9 - Michigan
5 year cycle: NR, #10, #18, #1, #5
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 28 Jelani Embree, MI (184)
No. 34 Ben Freeman, MI (141/149)
No. 38 Layne Van Anrooy, OR (157/165)
No. 57 Andrew Davison, IN (184/197)
Transfer - Kevin Beazley, MI (197)
Others: Drew Mattin, OH (125/133), Reece Hughes, MI (149); Zachery Nemec, IL (285)
In Ann Arbor: Despite redshirting three starters and two All-Americans last season, Michigan still managed a top ten finish at the NCAA Tournament. Add Alec Pantaleo, Domenic Abounader, and Adam Coon back into a lineup with Stevan Micic, Logan Massa, and Myles Amine and you are looking at a team with an outside shot at a trophy.
Why They’re Here: Really solid class. Sort of an ‘in between’ class, like Oklahoma and Virginia Tech before them, I don’t know if there’s a national title amongst the group, but there are loads of AA potential and years of starting service seem guaranteed. I initially had this group a couple pegs higher. But looking at their roster, it might be difficult to get both Freeman and Van Anrooy in the line-up quickly. With Micic holding down 33, Freeman would have to beat out a solid Sal Profaci (and others). Van Anrooy looks like he’ll have to contend with either Pantaleo (157) or Massa (165). Should the line-up shake out such that they get more starting years from this group, I could see them performing to a Top 5-ish class.
Needs For Next Year: Michigan has youth everywhere. The only noticeable question mark is, with the departure of Zac Hall, 149. If they struggle at that weight this year, expect to see them address that.
Flashback Stat: If Profaci starts next year, 40% of their line-up will have come from their #10 2015 class that also included Assad, Massa, and Amine.
#10 - (tied) - Virginia
5 year cycle: #16, #7, #16, NR, NR
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 13 Cam Coy, PA, (157)
No. 40 Brian Courtney, PA (133)
No. 71 Quinn Miller, GA (197/285)
No. 81 Brian Kennerly, PA (197/285)
Others: Sam Book, VA (133)
In Charlottesville:Four of the last five years saw the Cavs place Top 25 at NCAA’s. Though with the talent they have had coming in, expectations might be higher going forward. Check on the cycle: four straight classes of #16 or better.
Why They’re Here: Coy spent the majority of his high school career ranked in the top five of his weight class. He and Courtney round out one of the best (based on HS credentials) lightweight lineups with Mueller, Phillippi, and Krivus. UVA will get a HWT starter out of Miller or S32 Champ Kennerly.
Needs For Next Year: Good and young. UVA’s clear needs are 74/84 and perhaps 97.
Flashback Stat: Krivus had a solid first season, but he was part of Virginia’s best recruiting class ever (2015). We’ve yet to see production from his classmates Fox Baldwin or Cam Harrell.
#10 - (tied) North Carolina
5 year cycle: NR, NR, #17, NR, #16
Top 100 RecruitsNo.12 Austin O’Connor, IL (149/157)
No. 48 Zach Sherman, FL (141)
No. 100 Jaime Hernandez, IL (141/149)
Others: Kameron Frame, KS (157); Kendall Frame, KS (165); Hunter Queen, NC (174); Clay Lautt, KS (174/184); Chasen Blair, CA (197); Nick Mosco, FL (197)
In Chapel Hill: The Tarheels posted just 4.5pts at NCAA’s last year and you know how competitive Coleman Scott and Tony Ramos are. They want to get back to winning duals and putting people on the podium.
Why They’re Here: This is the most difficult class to handicap for me this year. Reason #1 - I like O’Connor at 157. I LOVE him at 149. I know, I know. The talent is there and the weight thing will figure itself out. But size, talent, skill set...I think O’Connor climbs the ladder faster at 149. Reason #2 - I don’t know what Jaime Hernandez is right now. He missed most the preseason, the bulk of the regular season (including Ironman) and when he did come back he wasn’t himself. He plummeted from Top 25 to just making the cut. On a positive note, I really like the group of ‘others,’ particularly Lautt and Blair who I think have a ton of upside.
Needs For Next Year With the class they brought in this year and Andrew Gunning (HWT) last year, the upperweights seem secure. Though Coleman is in a total rebuilding process so watch for him to not target specific weights, but to build an overall deeper room.
Flashback Stat: The last time UNC had back-to-back recruiting classes was 2011 (Evan Henderson) and 2012 (Kraisser and Ward).
#12 - Arizona State5 year cycle: NR, #1, NR, NR, NR
]Top 100 Recruits
No. 46 Kordell Norfleet, IL (197)
No. 60 Navonte Demison, CA (149/157)
No. 76 Brandon Courtney, AZ (125)
Others: Dakota Galt, SD (141)
Commentary:While Fargo Champs Courtney and Demison grab more headlines because they compete at more big events, Norfleet is the prospect that intrigues me. The kid could be a national force and fits perfectly into ASU’s future line-up plans.
#13 - Purdue
5 year cycle: #6, NR, NR, NR, NR
Top 100 Recruits
No. 47 Parker Filius
No. 66 Max Lyon
No. 68 Anthony Falbo
Others: Anthony Toineeta, NC (125); Alec White, IN (133); Abdullah Assaf, IL (141); Tanner Webster, IN (174/184);
Jared Florell, MN (184/197); David Eli, IN (197)
]Commentary: Coach Ersland and the new regime back up an excellent #6 class that were all redshirted last year, with three solid guys that all have intrigue and upside. To illustrate how bare the cupboard was before Ersland got there - consider #1) Purdue hadn’t had a ranked recruiting class since 2011, and now they went back-to-back and #2) it looks like more than half their starters next year will be Freshmen or Sophomores that he just recruited.
#14 - Iowa State
5 year cycle: #7, NR, #11, #10, NR
Top 100 Recruits
No. 11 Austin Gomez
No. 78 Marcus Coleman
No. 95 Ryan Leisure
Commentary: It started off as a monster recruiting class that, in addition to the above, included three others (Verkleeren, Allar, Ethan Smith). Still, it’s a good haul after the coaching change. Gomez has been a premier talent for years. But I hedge a little with this ranking. Coleman is talented but inconsistent. Leisure will have a tough job navigating his way into the line-up.
#15 - Binghamton
5 year cycle: NR, NR, NR, #24, NR
Top 100 Recruits
No. 8 Louie Deprez, NY (184)
No. 94 Zach Trampe, PA (141)
Others: Dane Heberlein, NY (133); Matthew Swanson, NY (141); Aiden Monteverde, NJ (165); Jacob Peru, NY (184/197); Joseph Doyle, PA (197)
Commentary: I absolutely love DePrez as a future multi-time AA and perhaps even a finalist. A great job of recruiting here in picking up the #1 recruit at 184 in the nation and plucking PA big school champ Zach Trampe, who has AA potential.
#16 - Missouri
5 year cycle: NR, #8, NR, #7, NR
Top 100 Recruits
No. 37 Jared Campbell
No. 69 Jacob Raschka
No. 84 Alan Hart
Others: Dack Punke, IL (125); Lane Stigall, OR (149/157)
Commentary:I’m not in love with this class, but the talent is there. It remains to be seen if Campbell is an upgrade over Myers. He could be, but it wasn’t a need. And while solid high school wrestlers, I’m not sure if Raschka and Hart are (nationally) major impact guys.
#17 - Princeton
5 year cycle: NR, #16, NR, #20, NR
]Top 100 RecruitsNo. 35 Patrick Brucki, IL (197)
No. 39 Travis Stefanik, PA (174/184)
Others: Mark Schleifer, NJ (125); Jonathan Gomez, NY (133); John Pipa, PA (141/149); Conor Melbourne, NY (149/157); Dale Tiongson, MD (165/174); Kendall Elfstrum, NY (184/197)
Commentary: Ayers and staff set themselves up nicely. Last year’s class just missed the Top 20 following the #16 haul from 2015. The lightweights on the roster are young; the first five starters will all be FR or SO next year. With mainstays Harner and O’Donnell now graduated, look for Areneo to bump to HWT with Schleifer and Baker (both seniors) in the line-up this year and Tiongson, Stefanik, and Brucki anchoring the back half for years to come.
#18 - Brown
5 year cycle: NR, NR, NR, NR, NR
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 49 Bryce Rogers, FL (165/174)
No. 77 AJ Pedro, MA (184)
No. 98 Hunter Kosco, OH (133/141)
Others: Charles Faber, IL (125); Tanner Hood, KS (165); Nino Bastianelli, MI (184/197); Evan Ellis , IN (HWT); James Valentino, IL (HWT)
Commentary Coach Beckerman brings in perhaps Brown’s best class ever.The last Brown recruiting class to register on the national radar was their Honorable Mention class in 2011 which brought Ophir Bernstein. Pedro has placed in every major in the country. Rogers won Super 32. And Kosco beat Jordan Decatur, who began the season at #1, twice this year.
#19 - Wisconsin
5 year cycle: #18, NR, #20, NR, NR
Top 100 RecruitsNo. 21 Trent Hillger
No. 88 Devin Bahr
Others: Paul Konrath, IN (133); Garrett Model, WI (141/149); Tyler Shilson, MN (149/157); Jackson Hemauer, WI (184)
Commentary: I love the pick up of Hillger, especially with the need to fill Medbery’s shoes. Hillger was the highest ranked senior heavyweight at #3 behind JR’s Steveson and Nevills. Bahr, Konrath, and Hemauer provide solid Big Ten-caliber starting potential.
#20 - Navy
5 year cycle: NR, NR, NR, NR, NR
Top 100 Recruits
No. 10 Quentin Hovis, AZ (157)
Others: Ian Timmins, NV (125); Logan Treaster, KS (125); Anthony Duca, NJ (133); Gus Solomon, PA (141); Wyatt Long, PA (141/149); Dillon Taylor, NJ (149/157); Christian Hall, IL (149/157); Tanner Skidgel, OK (157/165); Hampton Boyd, CA (165/174); Shane Sosinsky, NJ (184); Tyler Stepic, OH (184);
Navy’s recruiting classes finally broke into the Top 20 after knocking on the door as Honorable Mention nominees the last two years and three of the last five years. Hovis, who spent the majority of the season ranked #1, presents the Mids with an immediate EIWA title threat at 157. Timmins could be a solid leadoff man for years, and Sosinsky represents solid value. Great group.
Honorable Mention
Drexel: No. 17 Austin DeSanto, PA; No. 86 Bryan McLaughlin, NJ; Alex Salas, Chandler Olson, Evan Barczak; Sean O’Malley, NJ; Vincenzo Pelusi
Oregon State: No. 29 Hunter Willits, No. 61 Grant Willits, Colt Doyle
Army: No. 62 Corey Shie, No. 93 Brad Laughlin, JT Brown, Casey Cornett, Gunnar Larson, Taylor Brown, Taylor Wetzel, Eric Keosseian, Ben Sullivan, Travis Layton, Knox Fuller, Matthew Marino, Brian Earlston
Minnesota:No. 25 Jake Allar, No. 78 Brent Jones, Wade Sullivan, Alex Crowe, Jake Bergeland
Fresno State No. 92 Robert Garcia, No. 96 Gary Joint, Owen Pentz, Isaiah Hokit, Josh Hokit, Christian Olivas, Richie Brandt, Danny Salas, Brandon Martino, Chris Garcia, Beau Colombini, J.J. Figueroa, Emilio Saavedra
Clarion:No. 67 Max Wohlabaugh, Gavin Park, Tyler Bagoly, Toby Cahill, Ryan Ellefsen, Jalin Hankerson, Jake Riegel, Nick Geyer
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Rutgers got some depth at 125 in a commit from Luke Ecklof from St. John Vianney. Luke finished 8th at 106 as a Junior, and was 14-0 last year before breaking his ankle in a match and missing the rest of the season. NJ.com had him ranked #3 at 113 before the injury.
Nm I just figured it out. Any new additions to the SKWC as far as wrestlers to train with? Would love to see us get someone for the upperweights.
Seriously or another Shitliner? Source? Interestingly, TheMat.com has had a few vague, highly unsubstantiated comments about Nick Nevills maybe perhaps could be transferring.
Didn't you post this as a joke on the BWI message board earlier today?
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AJ just transferred to Fresno State. So it's not out of the question. Although they are Cali kids.
Well, AJ was never going to start at PSU with his bros there. Seth nevills is a top 10 class recruit
He has 16 posts....take it for what it's worth. Throwing out there to see if it sticks.
AJ Nevills did not transfer from PSU, he was not enrolled. He did originally commit to PSU, but did not enroll in college this year. And as others have said, he was never going to see the mat at PSU(not nearly the recruit as Nick or Seth).
And the thread on the mat.com was all brought up by an article by Flo, which was later changed and was just a mistake. Nick Nevills is not leaving, he will start his last two years then Seth(after a redshirt) will take over.
As the old saying goes, "if it sounds too good to be true......" Why would a PSU starter transfer to RU? Not to mention the Big10 transfer rules.
And the thread on the mat.com was all brought up by an article by Flo, which was later changed and was just a mistake. Nick Nevills is not leaving, he will start his last two years then Seth(after a redshirt) will take over.
As the old saying goes, "if it sounds too good to be true......" Why would a PSU starter transfer to RU? Not to mention the Big10 transfer rules.
Wow , I wonder if Iowa had those type of recruiting success during their heyday?
In '19, if my math is right , PSU will have 12 top ten recruits in the room. Wow , basciallly you need to be ranked #1 or 2 in the nation of out hs to have an opportunity to start there
Mark Hall #1
Suri #3
Manville # 10
Vinny Joseph #5
Nolf #4
N Nevills #5
Bo Nikal #7
Berge - not sure , canceled
Nick lee - not sure
Gavin Teasdale #2
RBY #3
Travis Whitake #4
Beard # 5
S Neville #10
In '19, if my math is right , PSU will have 12 top ten recruits in the room. Wow , basciallly you need to be ranked #1 or 2 in the nation of out hs to have an opportunity to start there
Mark Hall #1
Suri #3
Manville # 10
Vinny Joseph #5
Nolf #4
N Nevills #5
Bo Nikal #7
Berge - not sure , canceled
Nick lee - not sure
Gavin Teasdale #2
RBY #3
Travis Whitake #4
Beard # 5
S Neville #10
Yes my friend, these are the true "blue chippers"
Nick lee, Berge are also top 10, and jered Cortez is top 15... let's also not forget about Zain Train..
Zain will graduate next year , was referring to '19 squad
Perhaps this could lead to raimo staying in state because there isn't much room at PSU. He also lost to RBY last year over the summer
Also can't see a spot for Glory there either
Anyone have insight as to whether we ll get a look from some of the Blair kids ?
Andrew Merola - junior - just beat #1cam coy
Julian Ramirez- senior - will he join Malcom ?
Underclasseman
Cannon
Colaiocco's
Incontera
With PSU being so stacked, it certainly opens up the recruiting world
Perhaps this could lead to raimo staying in state because there isn't much room at PSU. He also lost to RBY last year over the summer
Also can't see a spot for Glory there either
Anyone have insight as to whether we ll get a look from some of the Blair kids ?
Andrew Merola - junior - just beat #1cam coy
Julian Ramirez- senior - will he join Malcom ?
Underclasseman
Cannon
Colaiocco's
Incontera
With PSU being so stacked, it certainly opens up the recruiting world
Berge is #6 Lee is #9 P4P So 14 top 10's in the room in 2019. And that's not countng #20 Verkleeren who has been top 10 at one point if I'm not mistaken.
Going to be some crazy battles
At practice the other day was a mountain of a man working out with Gross and the big guys. It was Kevin Wilkins. Nice young man. He is not coming out for wrestling but just wanted to roll around. You could see he was not in wrestling shape. Quite a difference from football. He is huge.
That's great to here. Wilkins is really close to breaking out and rolling around, improving his bend and leverage could be that final ingredient.
Also good for our heavy's to experience what a 300 pounder is all about.
From his RU bio ...
"also an accomplished high school wrestler at heavyweight ... reached the finals of the prestigious Beast of the East in Newark, Del., one of the top tournaments nationally ... named Bergen Record First Team All-Bergen County as a junior after going 36-7 to win region and district titles, advancing to the state semifinals ... defeated the eventual state champion as a sophomore and went on to win district title ..."
"also an accomplished high school wrestler at heavyweight ... reached the finals of the prestigious Beast of the East in Newark, Del., one of the top tournaments nationally ... named Bergen Record First Team All-Bergen County as a junior after going 36-7 to win region and district titles, advancing to the state semifinals ... defeated the eventual state champion as a sophomore and went on to win district title ..."
Penn state has the #2-6 p4p for class of 18'..
And throw in #16..
No. 6 Beard projects to compete in college as a 197 pound wrestler, and will join No. 2 Seth Nevills (Clovis, Calif.), No. 3 Travis Wittlake (Marshfield, Ore.), No. 4 Gavin Teasdale (Jefferson-Morgan, Pa.), No. 5 Roman Bravo-Young (Sunnyside, Ariz.) and No. 16 Joe Lee (Evansville Mater Dei, Ind.) as verbal commitments to the Nittany Lions in the 2018 class.
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