Willie Saylor, Editor

With the early signing period come and gone, we turn our attention to the top incoming classes of talent for next year.

There are a number of highly coveted prospects with their college plans still up in the air, and we’ll feature them in an upcoming ‘best available’ segment. But the vast majority of elite recruits are off the board and ready to matriculate to their schools of choice.

And we’re ready to handicap them!

This year leading storyline, as recruiting wars go, is marked by big classes at the top. Every season, or recruiting year, there are a few typical ‘templates’ of incoming cohorts, in unofficial nomenclature:

1. The Monster Class- where a school has a significant amount of scholarship money available and is able to accumulate the crème de la crème of graduating talent. An example? See Iowa’s class last year.

2. The Perfect Storm- a veritable mix of bona fide studs peppered with other less-heralded talent that could prove to be stars at the next level.

3. The Small but Spectacular- a class that is short on quantity, but includes two or more phenoms.

4. The ‘Truckload’- where a school was able to sign a plethora of mid-tier recruits. Like all recruiting classes, some individuals will sparkle and some will fade amidst the demands of Division I wrestling. But classes like this often give the program stability and result in unforeseen gems. In recent years, many ACC schools have taken this approach.

 Of course there is a great deal of subjectivity in any rankings, and perhaps more so in ranking an entire class. College coaches are pressured with maximizing productivity out of each dollar they spend. As such, part of my assessment is based on recruiting efficacy; when deciding between a tier of classes, I’ll often side with the group that appears to have more utility to their program.

For instance, what good does a highly ranked 125lber do to a program with young successful starters at 125 and 133? This may, in my perspective, diminish the value of a certain signee.

In this regard, we’re talking the finer points of differentiating classes. In a much broader sense, recruiting classes are defined by ‘can’t miss’ talents. And beyond simply their prowess on the mat, their stock is augmented by their character. Getting good grades, staying out of trouble, and maintaining a work ethic requisite for DI wrestling, all help in actuality and in my assessment here.

How do I know a prospect will satisfy the above criteria?

I don’t. Each and every year there are kids that defy expectations, or surpass them. All anyone can do is take the information they have; the notes on character and work ethic, the long history of performance, and project that to remain status quo.

In the end it’s stability in a prospect, both on and off the mat, that makes a ‘can’t miss’ precisely that.

 Class of 2011 Trends

It appears to be a ‘thinner’ year than the last two previous classes, where even the Honorable Mention hauls had multiple ranked kids. This year, one ranked kid and a few ‘back end’ athletes can get you in the Top 25.

Why?

Maybe because last year’s class was so darn tough. In 2010 power states such as PA, NJ, OH, and CA graduate monster senior classes. And while CA has another good crop and Illinois heavily supports the national class, the seniors in New York and Iowa were a bit down this year in terms of elite recruits.

Another corollary issue is how much money schools have available for this cycle. Most of the recruiting hauls are rather small due to what was mentioned above, and the fact that many schools used a good deal of money on last year’s class (see Iowa and Iowa State).

Additionally, there are three groups that may have weakened the overall quality of classes this year: 1) the nearly dozen kids who were, at some point, ranked that have signed with non-DI programs, 2) the half dozen or so ranked wrestlers that signed on to play football, and 3) the nearly three dozen wrestlers, who were ranked at some point, who have not made any such college decisions despite signing period coming and going.

In all reality, and this might be scary should it become a trend, many non-DI schools secured rather impressive classes. It could be the beginning of a trend where we see increased financial support from the DII’s and NAIA’s luring wrestlers to their campuses. For instance, the cohorts headed to JUCO at Clackamas, and DII at Notre Dame are very, very nice. Maybe it’s a grade thing? Or it could be just a one-year blip.

On the plus side for Division I, the dearth of scholarship, and perhaps the fear of pulling the trigger, has turned out nicely for what is largely considered the ‘next-tier’ programs. Utah Valley, Ohio University, and Buffalo all landed a windfall of talent. And thank god Brown was granted a stay of execution; they have a very good group coming in.

All things considered, this is great for the sport. It (potentially) begets parity. Which brings more teams success. Which gives more fans in more places things to cheer about. Which increases the sports footprint.

That being said, looking ahead to next year, with stocks replenished in PA, OH, and NJ, and with a bumper crops in Minnesota, Iowa, Florida, and Michigan and another in CA, the volume of DI talent should be back to normal levels, but with this general caveat: current collegiate rosters are almost universally young.

Across the country we have seen a sort of odd phenomenon. When Iowa’s three-peat team graduated, many other teams lost a good number of their starters to graduation too that same year.

The effect is that the country is inordinately young. Everywhere, from the PAC-10, through the Big 10 and Big XII, and right on through to the ACC and EIWA, teams are filled with underclassmen. Traditional powers Oklahoma State, Iowa, and Minnesota each only graduate one starter this year, and very few the next. National Champion Penn State loses just Pataky this year and HWT Cam Wade and Frank Molinaro next. Over 20 of the 80 NCAA All-Americans this year were Sophomores or younger and a large percentage of last year’s outstanding group of high school Seniors were redshirted. One could go on and on at just how few scholarships are going to be opened next year. So while the talent, nationally, might restock, the money may not.

Without further ado, here’s this year’s recruiting class rankings and, for reference, links to last year’s class rankings.

Class of 2010:  http://news.theopenmat.com/2010/05/tom%E2%80%99s-2010-recruiting-class-rankings/

*Last year’s recruiting class ranking following school name. Prospects will be listed with their final TOM National Ranking.

#1  Nebraska  (LY: 10^th)

#1-Jake Sueflohn (WI), 141

#2-James Green (NJ), 149

#20-Austin Wilson (NE), 157/165

#20-Cory Brester (NE) 184/197

#3-Donny Longendyke (MN), HWT

TR-Tyler Caldwell, (Oklahoma), 165/174

Class Overview:

As good as Sueflohn has been in his final two years of high school, I think his best days are ahead of him. As a Junior he beat much more polished (and frankly, talented) kids than him. After a good summer, his skill level has increased, and college coaching coupled with his gritty, non-stop style, should only make his curve go upward.

The toughest weight class to project in college is 149. So many talented kids converge on it that it makes for a cluster of truly outstanding athletes. Calling any prospect at 149 a ‘can’t miss’ is a scary proposition for even the keenest eye of talent, but I’ll go on record and say that about James Green. Along with Alex Dierenger, who we’ll get to later, Green is the best in this class at seamlessly repositioning to get off another shot when initial ones are blocked or defended.

Why They’re Here:

It’s feasible that the Huskers nabbed half their starting line-up, including their HWT of the future, which is always a tall task. Sueflohn and Green provide a bright future at two weights which the Huskers have struggled with. A #1, a #2, and a #3, plus a little Brester and Austin Wilson, who was a Senior Nationals Runner-Up, losing only to the #1-ranked wrestler in the country in the finals. It works for me. And I’m sure it will for Coach Manning.

The late addition of Tyler Caldwell, a two-time All-American, including an NCAA finalist appearance last year, takes this class, from #2/#3, to the top spot. The Huskers will get two years out of him. And, in contrast to projecting who the top stars of tomorrow will be from high school, Caldwell is already a proven commodity.

#2  Ohio State  (LY: 8^th)

#11-Johnni DiJulius (OH), 133

#4-Cam Tessari (OH), 141

#1-Hunter Steiber (OH), 141/149

#3-Kenny Courts (PA), 184

#1-Andrew Campolattano (NJ), 197

Orry Elor (CA), HWT

Class Overview:

Coach Ryan received very early verbals from DiJulius, Steiber, and Tessari, and the Buckeyes were well on their way to a stellar haul. DiJulius is the owner of three state titles. Steiber and Tessari each have four. Late in the cycle, Kenny Courts, a PA two-timer and Campolattano, just the second NJ wrestler to capture four state titles, joined the party. In between, Coach Ryan landed Elor, a Fargo All-American, at a weight that’s long been in need in Columbus.

Why They’re Here:

Incumbent starter, Nick Heflin, had a very productive campaign this year. So there may be a bit of a jam with him, Courts, and Campolattano. But otherwise, each of the recruits fills a future or current line-up need. And remember, the Buckeyes have blue-chipper Derek Garcia, who committed last year before rehabbing knee injuries, coming in at 165. While he was officially listed as 2010 commitment, and not listed above, his eligibility doesn’t start until this fall. Bottom line, with two #1’s and four in the Top 4; can’t get much better than that.

Why They’re Not Higher:

We had the Buckeyes #1 before the Caldwell transfer. Of course, Nebraska will get just two years from him but he comes without the questions of even the most talented high school seniors. While OSU’s group may include many stars of future, none are projected ‘locks’ for AA status from the get-go. And if you count Caldwell as a #1, Nebraska goes 1-1-2-3, at the top, to OSU’s 1-1-3-4. Pretty comparable, but with the edge to Nebraska and Caldwell in the ‘sure thing’ category.

#3  Central Michigan (LY: UR)

#2-Zach Horan (PA), 125

#15-Luke Smith (IL), 141

#1-Nicky Hodgkins (PA), 149

#9-Joey Kielbasa (IL), 157

#11-Mike Ottinger (PA), 165

#4-Devin Pommerenke (MI) HWT

Ty Davis (OH), 141/149

Class Overview:

Head Coach Tom Borelli has had his Chippewas wrestling at a high level (10 straight MAC championships and 5-straight top 15 NCAA finishes) for a long time. And, with no disrespect directed to previous athletes there, Borelli’s been turning coal into diamonds. Now he gets a chance to really make hay with one of the best recruiting classes of the year.

Horan has been an elite wrestler nationally since his freshman year. A rare 4-time state finalist in PA, he’s also made three appearances on Fargo’s big stage. He’s an immediate upgrade at 125, and perhaps the greatest recruit to ever head to Mt. Pleasant.

Smith has placed 3-2-1 in the Land of Lincoln. This year he won his title in a very tough bracket feature two other nationally ranked wrestlers, and defeated the defending Fargo Champion, 8-0, in the finals.

Hodgkins had a phenomenal high school career. He was a two-time state champion, winning NHSCA’s and Super32 along the way. This year at S32, he beat the #8, the #4, and #2 ranked wrestlers en route to his title.

Kielbasa also is from Illinois, and also beat a ranked wrestler in the state finals this year, giving him three state golds. He also won a loaded NHSCA Jr. bracket in Virginia Beach last spring.

Ottinger came on to the national scene late, and as a bit of a surprise to many folks. He was a state title contender his junior year before missing the postseason with a shoulder issue. This year he beat the #5-ranked wrestler in the country in state finals, before upsetting the #1 overall recruit, Destin McCauley, in the Dapper Dan Classic.

There’s no doubt Pommerenke is among the country’s elite big men. He didn’t lose a regular season match in three years and is one of the very few kids to post a win over #1-ranked HWT, Brooks Black. In fact, Pommerenke was selected for postseason All-Star teams before suffering a serious knee injury midway through the year.

Why They’re Here:

You have to applaud the recruiting efforts here. Borelli and staff have really upped the ante. With 6 state champions from power states and national-level credentials amongst each of them, this class likely represents the bulk of a Chippewa line-up that will be Top 10-ish at NCAA’s in time. Borelli grabs the two toughest slots to fill: bookends in Horan and Pommerenke, not to mention some dynamite talent to anchor the middle.

Why They’re Not Higher:

Tough call. The incoming Buckeye class is just more credentialed on paper. In comparing the two classes, the Chips have the edge in immediate impact and surety. But OSU has the edge in overall talent and long-term potential.

#4  Penn State  (LY: 3^rd)

#1-Nico Megaludis (PA), 125

#7-Jordan Conaway (PA), 125

#7-Luke Frey (PA), 141

#1-Morgan McIntosh (CA), 184

#15-Colin Campbell (NC), HWT

Class Overview:

Sanderson and Co. did an outstanding job with this class. They targeted needs and landed them. A replacement for Pataky. Check. A solution to their problems at 197. Check. More depth at HWT. Check. This class is ranked 3^rd, but the recruiting job by the staff is #1.

Megaludis captured 3 state titles in PA’s big class and finished his career with just one loss. He also had a Fargo finals appearance. McIntosh also won 3 state titles in single-class CA. Last summer he won Fargo. Frey has always been in the thick of things in talent-rich PA, posting career state placings of 1-4-2-3, and winning a title at NHSCA’s. All Conaway did was beat #1-ranked Evan Silver in the Dapper Dan, and PSU scooped him up when Liberty dropped their program. Coming out of North Carolina, Campbell isn’t the most widely known commodity to most folks. But he’s a talent, winning state titles, AA’ing in Fargo, and making the finals at two of the crown jewels of high school wrestling: NHSCA Sr. Nationals and the Super32.

Why They’re Here:

Sure-fire talents Megaludis and McIntosh. Frey is and has been one of the country’s best for years. Don’t be surprised if he’s in the line-up immediately. Conaway could be the leadoff guy for a few years if Nico outgrows the weight. Campbell is, at the very worst, a serviceable HWT, who could prove to be the man for the Nits.

Why They’re Not Higher:

So much talent, so little room. It was a real chore differentiating between the numbers 1-4 classes. Megaludis and McIntosh will almost assuredly be 4-year guys. But, what about the others? Conaway certainly sits for at least a year or two. And do we evaluate him as a guy who got taken down by a high school junior seven times in one match, or the guy that beat the #1 kid in the country in the Dapper Dan? Does Frey get through the Sherlock/Alton barricade at 41/49? And, is Campbell the long-term solution or a stop-gap between incumbent starter Wade, and a HWT of the future? These questions put a potential limit on how much this class can contribute. There is a scenario where only two in this class are of full service with the others being spot starters. On the other hand, what if Sherlock or Alton got hurt and Frey was the man (and he’s capable of it) for three or four years? It makes his signing much more valuable. In the end, I tend to be cautious, and Nebraska seems more poised to get use out of a group that’s nearly equal in talent. Ironically, if they were going to a school with less depth in the room, these future Lions could be at least two spots higher.

#5  Oklahoma State  (LY: 13^th)

#2-Austin Ormsbee (NJ), 133/141

#3-Alex Dierenger (WI), 149

#17-Zach Skates (OK), 165

#4-Austin Marsden (IL), HWT

Class Overview:

Two years ago, Coach Smith brought the #1 recruiting class in the country to Stillwater when he grabbed five highly sought-after prospects and a JC National Champion. What that meant for recruiting in future years, was that scholarship monies would be tight. But that’s ok for Smith and company. Because they have, in my opinion, the best eye for evaluating talent in the business. Many programs can sign a bunch of highly ranked kids. But The Cowboys also seem to target the right ones, and the ones that fit their program best.

Why They’re Here:

Marsden wrestled 189 as a Junior, and when TOM broke the news of his signing to OK State, he stated in his interview with us, that the plan was for him to be the Cowboys’ HWT of the future. This year he wrestled 215 and was as dominant a wrestler as you’ll find across the country.

Both Ormsbee and Dierenger were Fargo Champions last summer and Cheesehead Champs during the year. Both of these guys have been ranked among the nation’s elite for years. And remember the ‘right guys’ comment? Ormsbee and Dierenger both have the ‘slickness’ Cowboy fans have come to expect and appreciate. Perfect fits for the orange singlets.

Why They’re Not Higher:

While this is a tremendous class, there might be similar issues that Penn State has. Room. Ormsbee is coming off a season in which he missed part of the year with leg (knee, ankle) injuries. And can he continue to make 133? He’s been at 135 his entire high school career. If Jordan Oliver stays at 133 for the next two years, the situation will be even cloudier, as Ormsbee would be ostensibly blocked for a starting gig by Oliver and Kindig.

Similar, situation for Dierenger. If Oliver and Josh Kindig move up to 141 and 149, respectively, Alex will either find getting into the line-up difficult, or be forced to move to 157.

For Skates, a national-caliber wrestler for years, he’ll have to navigate an absolutely loaded depth chart up top. He has the ability to be a Cowboy starter, but it might take a couple years.

Right now, Marsden appears to be the only one with favorable odds to crack a starting position as a R-Freshman. One year left for Alan Gelogaev, then to the big stage for Marsden if he can beat out little Rosholt.

The Penn State-Nebraska dilemma is echoed here in the OK State-CMU situation, where one school may have a bit ‘bluer’ blue-chippers, but the other have a faster track to varsity time. Again, only time will tell who gets the most production from this class.

#6  North Carolina State  (LY: UR)

#8-Nick Francavilla (NJ), 125     

#14-Coltin Fought (PA), 133

#18-Henry Carlson (AL), 149/157

#2-Chris Phillips (OH), 174

#17-Josh DaSilveira (FL), 184

#5-Harrison Honeycutt (NC), 197

Gabe LeVey (VA), 141

Adam Mathews (PA), 141

Joey Gaccione (NJ), 149/157

Josh Davis (NJ), HWT

Class Overview:

Hel-lo!

N.C. State at 6?

Coach Jordan is essentially bringing in a new line-up.

Francavilla was a terror last year, losing just one bout and capturing a third straight state title. Coltin Fought was really on top of his game at the end of the season, reaching the state finals for the second year in a row (and winning it this time), and going on to be crowned at Sr. Nationals.

Carlson won his fourth state title (3 in Alabama, 1 in Virginia). He’s placed in everything: Fargo, S32, NHSCA, Beast of the East, etc.

Phillips joins Carlson as 4-timers in this class. He also won an Ironman title this year (his second).

DaSilveira won a state title after capturing an NHSCA Jr. Nationals title in ’10.

Honeycutt, a multiple placer at Fargo, won his third state title. He was a S32 Runner-Up as a Junior in 2009.

Why They’re Here:

Three kids in the Top 8, six total in the Top 20, with considerable additions that weren’t ranked. The talent level of the Wolfpack room just doubled (or better). I don’t think it’s hyperbole that this incoming recruiting class might be able to beat their incumbent members in a dual. Right now. How’s that for value and utility?

Why They’re Not Higher:

This group has the quality, quantity, and projected team impact to be ranked higher. But, as talented as they are, several of these recruits come with warning labels, for various reasons.

Francavilla dealt with the always precarious shoulder injury this year. Fought and Carlson showed inconsistent periods at times. Phillips, while possessing other-worldly ability, has had folks question his commitment to the sport after being conspicuously absent from national competition throughout the last three offseasons. Likewise, Honeycutt hasn’t really been heard of on the national scene since October of ’09.

While their potential is undeniable, and the Wolfpack staff has to be ecstatic, I’m taking a conservative approach here, which puts them a slot or two behind where they could be.

#7  Old Dominion  (LY: UR)

#3-Rob Deutsch (NJ), 125

#7-Chris Mecate (CA), 141

#10-Taylor Moeder (KS), 149

#4-Pete Baldwin (FL), 149/157

Brandon Choate (PA) 133

Josh Clark (VA), 149

Class Overview:

The ODU staff has been doing a bang-up job bringing in new talent for the past few years. But the work this cycle by Head Coach Steve Martin, a relentless recruiter, takes the cake.

Rob Deutsch has been national caliber for years. A four-time state placer, Deutsch also has multiple placings at Fargo and other national tournaments. He was The Beast of the East Champ in a brutal weight class this past season.

Mecate, a S32 Champ in 2009, heads to ODU after winning a state title in California’s monster single class. He went on to place 3^rd at NHSCA Sr. Nationals.

Moeder had one of the most impressive arcs over the past season, bursting into national recognition by: winning a Fargo GR title, placing 4^th in FS, and reaching NHSCA Sr. National Finals after taking 4^th as a Jr.

Baldwin, who owns the national high school record for both wins and falls in a career, is yet another ODU recruit clicking on all cylinders to close out his prep career. Baldwin was a FloNationals Runner-up last year, placed 5^th at Super32, and won the Powerade, before, like Moeder, reaching NHSCA Sr. National Finals.

Choate was a placer at both the Powerade and the PA State tournament. Clark, a former Beast placer, missed his senior season after having surgery.

Why They’re Here:

Martin now has the blue-chippers he’s been coveting. Four wrestlers ranked in the Top Ten, these guys are ultra-talented. Worst case scenario, Coach Martin picked up 40% of a future starting line-up. More likely, he secured multiple guys that will contend for AA honors.

What’s more is that the staff isn’t just targeting the best talent available, but rather, identifying needs. The Monarch roster has youngsters (Robinson and LaValle) ready to step in at 125 and 133, but really needed talent from 141 through 157 to balance their bottom half. They got it.

Why They’re Not Higher:

As far as quality, ODU couldn’t have done better. A truly remarkable job here by Martin, who puts as many hours into recruiting research as anyone. The only thing keeping them from being higher is volume. As far as efficiency, grade it an A+ for the Monarchs.

#8  Cornell (LY: 4^th)

#3-Nashon Garrett (CA), 125

#14-Caleb Richardson (VA), 125/133

#15-Bricker Dixon (MO), 125/133

#6-Nik Pena (CA), 141

#17-Jacob Aiken-Phillips (GA), HWT

Joe Rendina (MI), 133

Duke Pickett (VA), 157

Owen Scott (NY), 174

Craig Scott (NY), 184

Class Overview:

With the graduation of line-up staple, Mike Grey (133), and with Frank Perelli (125) having just a semester of eligibility remaining, Coach Koll and Company went heavy down low, grabbing five prospects between the first two weight classes. And they nabbed some great ones.

Nashon Garrett has really been coming on. A Fargo AA last summer, Garrett captured his second Cali title this winter.

A mainstay in the national rankings, Richardson placed highly at Fargo, Beast, Ironman, Cheesehead and NHSCA’s over the years.

Dixon is a multiple Fargo placer. He’s also won the KC Wrestling Classic twice on three finals appearances.

Pena won second consecutive 130lb. state title this year.

Aiken-Phillps was your Super32 Champ last fall and placed 3^rd at both the NHSCA Jr. and Sr. Nationals the last two years.

Why They’re Here:

Whoever comes out of the battle for the first two (or three) spots, The Big Red got their lightweights of the future, all of whom are national-caliber The wild cards here may be the Scott Brothers, who have placed at NHSCA’s several times and could be in the mix with Lewnes gone and when Bosak and Simaz depart. They could certainly add value to this class should they prove their mettle.

Why They’re Not Higher:

If you ask Coach Koll, I’m sure he’d be happy with this class. But their long-term affect on the program may be limited due to what is already on the roster. Perelli will be the guy in St. Louis, and Tyler Biscaha could be waiting in the wings at 125. Joe Stanzione stands in the way of suitors for the 33lb spot, and there’s considerable depth at 141 with Ryan Dunphy, Mike Nevinger, and Chris Villalonga. Furthermore, Cornell has several talented kids (Marshall Peppelman, Billy George, Omar Akel) ready to contend from 65-97, which may make the Scott Bros’ affect minimal. A great crop, and certainly a lot of talent, but an issue of riches gives reason for pause.

#9  Lehigh (LY: 14^th)

#2-Mason Beckman (PA), 125

#8-Nathaniel Brown (PA), 174

#12-John Bolich (PA), 184/197

#12-Jack Delia (NJ), HWT

Chris Dinnien (PA), 125

Jimmy Carucci (NY), 141

David Quakenbos (PA), 197

Class Overview:

Slow and steady. That’s what Lehigh brings to the table in the recruiting wars every year. You rarely find The Mountainhawks pulling in Top 5 classes, but you also rarely see them outside the Top 20. Recruits seeking a perfect storm of wrestling development, guidance, impeccable academics, and large and informed wrestling crowds are happy to find on home on South Mountain, Bethlehem, and this year is no different.

Why They’re Here:

The jewel of the class is Mason Beckman, who just capped off his second consecutive undefeated, Ironman- and state title-winning season. He’ll be immediately thrust into the starting gig at a weight that Lehigh has struggled with the past two years. And it should be noted that the Lehigh staff does perhaps the best job in the country at taking HS seniors and preparing them, in just a few months, for the rigors of DI wrestling. Expect similar, laudable, results from Beckman as they received from Dutton, Cagnina, and Napoli as true freshman in recent years.

Nate Brown, who has been nationally-relevant for years and has won NHSCA’s, is also a major acquisition. Along with Bolich, a PA State Runner-Up this year, the two will look to form a duo to replace, in some form,  Meys/Hamlin/Kennedy in due time.

Delia is a two-time state runner-up in New Jersey, losing in the finals each year only to foes ranked Top 5 in the country.

It should also be noted that 2010 signee, Eric Hess (157/165), after a bout with cancer, is back on the mat. He wrestled extremely well at Fila’s, and will enroll this fall when his eligibility will start for the first time. While I don’t include him here (because he was factored in last year) his addition and the prospects of the other four, once again give Lehigh formidable reinforcements.

Why They’re Not Higher:

Because Beckman is the only ‘sure thing’. While he’ll be pressed to action (and in my opinion, successful), Brown is in a slightly more difficult situation. Austin Meys is the incumbent starter, and just a Soph. next year. That being said, Meys’ injury is significant, and Brown, who is good enough to push Meys, regardless of the injury situation, could pay dividends sooner rather than later.  Hamlin will be around for two more years blocking a move by Brown or Bolich (who was a very small 189lber) to 184. And Delia, while very successful in a power state, didn’t compete much at all on a national level.

So while, like Cornell ahead of them, you’d expect these guys to work their way in eventually, it may take a couple years, potentially limiting their contributions, at least on paper.

#10  Virginia Tech (LY: 15^th)

#6-Nick Brascetta (OH), 141

#8-Lex Ozias (MD), 149

#4-Matt Stephens (OH), 157

#14-Bubba Scheffel (MD), 174

Christian Funder (NC), 149

Austin Gabel (CO), 184

Class Overview:

You didn’t think Coach Dresser would let Coach Martin out-recruit him that much, did you?

No, the rivalry both on the mat and in the living room between VT and ODU is alive and well, as the Hokies check in at #10.

Anchored by duo’s from Ohio and Maryland, Blacksburg will be welcoming a very solid class.

Brascetta and Stephens come from perennial powerhouse, St. Paris Graham.

Brascetta started off as a lightweight (he won Ironman as a FR. 103lber) and has grown like a weed, wrestling up at 140 this year. He ‘s also posted placings at Fila’s and Super32 in his career.

Stephens has been Top 4 each year at his state tournament. And, although he hasn’t wrestled in many national tournaments (do any SPG kids?) he did place at Super32 two years ago.

Ozias and Scheffel hail from the same school as well: Southern Garrett.

Ozias was a 3-time champ, 4-time finalist in Maryland. He placed 3^rd at both NHSCA’s and Super32 last year and was 5^th in Fargo.

Scheffel captured three state titles (and was 3^rd as a FR) and won NHSCA’s as a JR.

Austin Gabel is a multiple-time state champion. He was undefeated at The Clash the past two years wrestling for one of Colorado’s premier programs, Ponderosa.

Why They’re Here:

Virginia Tech’s class is ranked 10^th here based almost entirely on talent, not any certain starting opportunities. Who wins starting spots is up to the kids to decide in the room. And while other classes ranked behind them MIGHT field more immediate starters, the talent here is just too good to override.

Why They’re Not Higher:

For similar reasons. This class is comparable in talent to Lehigh. And while Lehigh will have its own problems working their new studs into the line-up, VT is going to have a major log-jam of young talent. This class is composed of middleweights, primarily. And the VT roster has kids named Diaz, Neibert, (Brian) Stephens, Dong, Yates, Moon, and Hightower right in that wheelhouse. If a majority of the kids in this class start early, they’re even better than I thought.

#11  Buffalo  (LY: UR)

#17-Arik Robinson (NY), 125

#8-Blake Roulo (VA), 149

#13-Justin Lozano (CA), 165/174

#16-Jake Waste (MN), 165/174

#19-Justin Heiserman (MI), 197

Abdulgawi Mohammed (NY), 125

Danny Gormley (NY), 133

Class Overview:

The staff at Buffalo are on to something. After crowning 4 MAC Champions and sending a school-record, 6, individuals to NCAA’s, Jim Beichner has facility upgrades in the works and Frank Beasley, who works the recruiting trail tirelessly, has one of the best hauls of the year.

At the top, Arik Robinson became just the 4^th four-timer in NYS history. This season he was named Most Outstanding at both the state tournament and Eastern States, the highest regarded regular season tournament in the Empire State.

Roulo has long been in the national picture. A 3-time Fargo AA and this year’s Beast runner-up, Roulo became just the second wrestler to ever win four class titles at NHSCA’s.

Lozano was a state runner-up this year, earning his second state medal. He’s also made finals appearances in 5 Counties, Doc Buchanan, and NHSCA’s.

Waste has a lengthy resume in both folk and international styles. He just won a Fila GR title in April after winning a state title in Minnesota. In 2009 he became the 6^th ever Cadet Triple Crown Winner.

Heiserman was a three-time state finalist, two-time champ and an NHSCA placer this year.

Why They’re Here:

The Bulls nabbed quality kids at a number of weight classes that will keep that, at minimum, competitive in the MAC for years to come. With this group, look for an increased Buffalo presence in the rankings and at the NCAA tournament in the future.

Why They’re Not Higher:

Last year the Bulls brought in the Soria Brothers to man the lightweights. And they’ve performed better than expected in open competition last year. So Robinson starting isn’t a foregone conclusion.

This class, while heavy on ‘prospects’ in every sense of the word, lacks a #1 type guy. Their impact to their program is immediate, which is why they’re #11. But to become competitive nationally, the individuals here still have so work to do.

#12  North Carolina  (LY: HM)

#3-Evan Henderson (PA), 141/149

#13-Nick Catalano (PA), 149

#17-Robert Henderson (PA), 149/157

#10-John Staudenmayer (PA), 174

#10-Alex Utley (OH), 184

Cameron Throckmorton (PA), 125

Christian Barber (NJ), 149/157

John Guzzo (NJ) 165

Frank Abbondanza (NY), 174

Class Overview:

Coach Mock, with a bit of Cary Kolat’s influence, brings a talented group to Chapel Hill. The prize of the class is Ironman and 2x National Prep Champ, Henderson. If unorthodox technically, he’s a grinder, and perhaps one of the most competitive kids in this year’s senior class. He’s ready for the college line-up now.

Catalano was a state runner-up. Henderson, an Ironman runner-up and Beast placer. Staudenmayer capped an undefeated season with a PA big school crown. He also won the Beast of the East this year. Utley was a 2x OH state champion. Barber won a title in NJ this year and was the Sr. National Runner-Up.

Why They’re Here:

On the immediate impact of Evan Henderson, and a boat-load of quality, DI-caliber reinforcements. Outstanding class.

Why They’re Not Higher:

This group might just be a bit deeper and more talented than Buffalo’s, but, just how many starters do they get out of this group? Four of them are for two weights, one of which is complete stocked on their current roster. And Staudemayer and Utley are at weights where they brought in talented guys (Petroski and Giorgio) last year, both of whom performed excellently this year. It also would have behooved the Tar Heels to target more lightweights, an area they’re particularly thin at. In the end, a great job by UNC. Getting to the point where they’re struggling to get talent into the line-up is a good thing. If they can develop these guys, they’ll have a very competitive squad.

#13  Minnesota  (LY: 5^th)

#12-Brad Dolezal (WI), 157

#13-Steve Keogh (MN), 165

#1-Logan Storely (SD), 174

Jordan Kingsley (MN), 125

Class Overview:

Along with Morgan McIntosh (PSU), Jesse Thielke (OTC), and Destin McCauley (OTC), Logan Storely was one of this year’s gems. He’s one of the few wrestlers in the country that you can give your stamp of approval as “DI-ready” the moment he steps on campus. He’s won both Fargo and NHSCA’s, and won six state titles. The last two years, he’s been absolutely dominant.

Dolezal and Keogh, once opponents, are now teammates. Dolezal has many international style placings, including a Fargo title as a Cadet, and went a combined 10-2 at Junior Duals last year (with one of those losses to Keogh).

Keogh was a state champion and Cheesehead champ his junior year and a runner-up at both in  ’11. He placed 4^th at a loaded Fargo JR weight last summer.

Why They’re Here:

Largely on the strength of Storely. And partly on the fact that Dolezal and Keogh have a ton of potential.

Why They’re Not Higher:

Size. It’s possible that the Gophers are getting one starter here. Dolezal and Keogh could find it difficult to get into the line-up, particularly if former Olympian, Jake Deitchler is healthy. Dylan Ness and Danny Zilverberg at 157 are also possible hurdles and Minnesota also has Alec Ortiz and Cody Yohn with two years of eligibility in that vicinity.

The strange thing here too, is that JRob and staff didn’t target a prime-time 125lber for Zach Sanders impending departure. There isn’t a Gopher on the roster that can step in at 125 when he leaves. And, although they grabbed Jordan Kingsley here, he’s not the size, or at the level, where he should be expected to be competitive in the Big Ten in just one year.

#14  Wisconsin (LY:  UR)

#8-Matt Kelliher (MN), 141

#11-Cody Caldwell (IA), 157

#10-Connor Medbery (CO), HWT

Class Overview:

Let’s get this out of the way: most folks probably anticipated First-Team Clinch Gear All-Americans, Jesse Thielke (133) and Destin McCauley (149) to be included here, and with them a very high team ranking for the Badgers’ 2011 recruiting class. But both will take a year of prep work at the Olympic Training Center before matriculating to Madison, at which time their eligibility will start. So plug them in to a phenomenal start for the Badgers’ Class of ’12.

Why They’re Here:

The Badgers got three promising and battle-tested prospects.

Kelliher comes from the famed Apple Valley program.  He was a Fargo Runner-Up last summer in FS and placed in GR. He was also this year’s Cheesehead Runner-Up.

Caldwell is a multiple-time state champ in wrestling-rich Iowa. He posted a 5-1 record at this year’s Clash.

Medbery has 5 career Fargo Medals, and was this year’s NHSCA Sr. National Runner-Up.

Why They’re Not Higher:

All three might need some work before being ready for prime-time. Kelliher has the clearest path to a starting gig, but I would temper expectations for him early in a deep Big Ten weight. Caldwell might be a candidate for a redshirt. He certainly has the frame to get bigger, where the Badgers will need him more. Medbery could be a staple in UW’s line-up. But they do have some other talent there vying for the HWT spot. Whereas Minnesota grabbed a bona fide stud, Wisconsin will have to work with this group to get them DI-ready.

#15  Penn  (LY: 20^th)

#16-CJ Cobb (NJ), 141/149

#10-Charlie Lynch (MD), 149

#10-Stephen Robertson (IL), 157

Jeff Canfora (NJ), 133/141

Mark Pinero (LA), 141

Lorenzo Thomas (PA), 157/165

Ian Korb (OH), 174/184

Class Overview:

Penn’s class is Exhibit A in the case to be made that one shouldn’t look entirely at rankings when assessing a recruiting class. The rankings aren’t gaudy, but each of the kids have shown the ability to wrestle with the best, placing highly at major events and knocking off highly regarded wrestlers along the way. Even some of the unranked kids will make the big dance. I’d lay money on it.

Cobb has placed at the state tournament 3 times and at NHSCA twice. Although he’s been at 145 for what seems like forever, he’s on the smaller side. So a move to 141 might not be out of the question.

Lynch, an NHSCA Runner-Up as a JR, was absolutely on fire at the end of the year, picking up a National Prep Championship and M.O.W. honors to boot.

A four-time state finalist in Illinois, Robertson also had a great year, going undefeated at The Clash for the second consecutive year, placing 3^rd at a monstrous weight at the Cheesehead, and making the finals of Ironman.

Why They’re Here:

Coach Eiter and staff did a good job here of identifying talent and procuring wrestlers at weights that will be vacated to graduation (particularly in the middle). These guys aren’t the most household names yet, but they could be. That is to say, they have about as much upside, collectively, as most other groups. Most importantly, the talent fills needs, which means Penn will get a lot of miles out of these guys.

Canfora and Thomas were both Beast Runners-Up. Pinero was a Fargo AA and Beat placer.

Korb has placed at Fargo, Fila’s and four times at his state tournament.

Why They’re Not Higher:

Numbers and national recognition. But a fantastic class. A typical, bang-up job by the Penn staff, who will no doubt coach them up. When the Quakers are in the thick of things for EIWA titles in a few years, we can look back at this class as a precursor. They’re that good.

#16  Utah Valley  (LY: UR)

#4-Jade Rauser (MT), 125

#7-Val Rauser (MT), 133

#14-Jake Falk (UT), 149

Cody Hone (UT), 133

Chris Mayolo (WA), 149

Logan Addis (AZ), 149/157

Napolean Anciete (NV) 157

Chase Cuthbertson (AL), 165

Brian Chamberlain (WA), 197/HWT

Class Overview:

After crowning their first All-American since rejoining the DI ranks, UVU sets out to prove that it was just a starting point as they bring in a great group of future Wolverines.

The Rauser Bros, with a basket load of Fargo medals between them, will fit in perfectly to 125 and 133 where they’ll replace long-time starters Ben Kjar and Flint Ray.

Falk and Addis were both Reno Runners-Up this past year. Mayolo had his coming out party with a 4^th place showing at Fargo last year.

Hone was a 4x state finalist. Anciete won three state titles. Chamberlain was 3^rd at Sr. Nationals.

Comments:

An absolutely loaded class for Coach Williams. This should be the bulk of a Wolverine line-up that is competitive in the WWC for years to come. It’s virtually a whole new team’s worth of talent.

#17  Purdue  (LY: UR)

#11-Danny Sabatello (IL), 125

#20-Chad Welch (IN), 157

#20-Drake Stein (IN), 174

Rusty Manness (WV), 133

Doug Welch (IN), 149

Preston Quam (CA), 184

TR-Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG), 149

Class Overview:

Sabatello, a Fargo AA, won his second state title.

Twin brothers Chad and Doug Welch went back-to-back in Indiana State finals. Chad went on to win Sr. Nationals, with Doug placing 8^th.

Stein won his second consecutive state title and was a Fargo Runner-Up in GR last summer.

Manness won his 4^th state title and Quam was a CA state runner-up.

Purdue’s class ranking gets a major boost via free agency as well. Lopouchanski who narrowly missed All-American status in Philly (he lost in the R12 in sudden victory), comes to West Lafayette from the UNCG program.

Comments:

Though many of these guys appear ‘mid-tier’ in individual national rankings, you’re looking at a whole heckuva lot of future starting Boilermakers. Five or better, with Lopouchanski a proven national talent at the college level, in the fold with three years of eligibility remaining.

#18 Virginia  (LY: 17^th)

#10-Vinny Waldhauser (CA), 165

#18-Nick Kidd (MA), 184/197

Joe Martinez (CO), 133/141

Blaise Butler (IL), 149

David Wesley (VA) 157

Zach Nye (PA), 197

Pat Gillen (CT), 197

Ethan Hayes (OH), HWT

Class Overview:

Like Penn’s class, several of the unranked kids here are national-caliber. All of them, other than Hayes, appeared in the rankings at some point.

Waldhauser was a state runner-up to #1-Bryce Hammond. He was also a runner-up at the Ironman.

Kidd won National Preps and has placed highly at NHSCA’s.

Martinez was highly ranked until a sub-par performance at the NHSCA tournament. In fact, he won that event as a JR and was a runner-up as a Soph.

Comments:

A good core of talent here that should be of tremendous value to the Cavs. A caveat is, there team is really young, and a good group of kids came in last year, which will limit some of this year’s impact. Also with several talented big guys already on campus, I’m not so sure why they grabbed so many 97’s. But hey, depth never hurts.

#19  Boise State (LY:  25^th)

#19-Casey George (ID), 141/149

#9-Chris Castillo (WA), 157

#18-Taylor West (UT), 165

#19-Scotty Bacon (CA), 165/174

Class Overview:

George-Fargo AA. Tri-State Champ.

Castillo-Multiple Fargo AA’s. NHSCA finalist. Multiple Fila medalist.

West-Reno Champ

Bacon-Washington State Champ. California State placer. NHSCA placer.

Comments:

Coach Randall fortifies his middle weights with quality, national-caliber talent. The Broncos need replacements for Adam Hall and Kurt Swartz, and next year, Jason Chamberlain. And it appears they got ‘em.

#20  Bakersfield (LY: UR)

#13-Fabian Garcia (CA), 125/133

#1-Bryce Hammond (CA), 165/174

Timmy Box (CA), 141

Adam Fierro (CA), 157/165

Steven Wood (CA), HWT

Class Overview:

Four of these guys placed at NHSCA’s, with Hammond and Garcia winning titles. For Hammond it was his second, to go along with two state titles and a Fargo Cadet crowning.

Box was 4^th, Fierro 3^rd.

Wood placed 4^th in the CIF state tournament.

Comments:

Any time you can add two studs and three other potential starters, you’ll get a tip of the cap from me. Garcia and Hammond could be national qualifiers rather quickly.

#21  Rutgers (LY:  24^th)

#18-Anthony Perrotti (NJ), 133

#13-Steven Rodrigues (NY), 141

#5-Billy Smith (NJ), HWT

Doug Hamann (NJ), 157/165

Class Overview:

Perrotti, Hamann, and Rodrigues placed at the Super32.

Smith was an undefeated state champion this year.

Comments:

While the Knights get good talent here, they might be getting just one sure-fire starter in Smith. The others will have to battle through a room crowded with talent from past recruiting success.

#22  Iowa (LY: 1^st)

#15-Brody Grothus (IA), 149

#7-Kris Klapprodt (SD), 174/184

Patrick Rhoads (MO), 174

TR-Cayle Byers (George Mason), 197

Class Overview:

Grothus is one of the more underrated prospects nationally. In fact, during, and after, NHSCA’s I had more college coaches inquire about him than any other prospect at the time. He placed 3^rd there, and had three high state placings, including a title this year.

Klapprodt won NHSCA’s this year. He went 12-2 in both styles at JR Duals last summer. He’s also won Rumble on the Red twice, and placed 8^th at Fargo last year.

Rhoads was 6^th at Fargo in the same bracket as Klapprodt. He was also a double Fila Cadet placer and moved down to 160 for NHSCA’s where he took 4^th.

Byers had just one loss last year; an overtime tiebreaker to Cam Simaz. He also had posted a 9-4 win over eventual national champion, Dustin Kilgore.

Comments:

On one hand, the Hawkeyes might not get much utility out of Klapprodt and Rhoads, at least for a couple years, based on their current roster. And they’re only getting Byers for a year. But count me in as one of the guys who believes they got value in Grothus. And the Byers rental might just be the acquisition that gets them an NCAA title next March. I’d say that’s a big pick up

#23  Kent State (LY: UR)

#11-Evan Link (PA), 125

#5-Ian Miller (OH), 157/165

Kyle Bauer (WV), 133

Nick Carr (PA), 157/165

Class Overview:

The Flashes, who have been doing a great job on the recruiting front recently, pick up state runners-up Miller and Link. Miller went on to be a FloNat’s RU, Link was a RU at NHSCA’s.

Carr was a state champ in ’10, and a runner-up this year.

Bauer won multiple state titles and placed at FloNats.

Comments:

KSU grabbed multiple kids who should be staples in their line-up going forward.

#24 Stanford (LY: UR)

#2-Evan Silver (MD), 125

#15-Mike Sojka (IL), 197/HWT

Alex Manley (TN), 141

Josh Lauderdale (WA), 149

Brandon Terwee (IA), HWT

Class Overview:

Two headliners here for the Cardinal in bookends Silver and Sojka.

Silver was among the top lightweights for years, with finals appearances at Ironman, Beast, Cheesehead, and Fargo.

Sojka also performed well on the national scene, earning six combined Fargo/Fila medals.

Manley, from Tennessee’s most storied program, was undefeated at the Clash the last two years.

Lauderdale was a three-time state finalist.

Comments:

Silver could for a dynamic 1-2 punch in the Pac-10 if Ryan Mango moves up to 133. He’s small, and should be a career lead-off guy that should develop into a national contender for several years. Sojka has a great deal of upside. He comes from Illinois small school division and his arc could certainly be on the upswing with Division-I coaching. Manley and Lauderdale are precisely the type of recruits that Stanford likes to bring along.

#25  Indiana (LY: 12^th)

#7-Eric Roach (IN), 149

#11-Lucas Sheridan (CA), 184

Garret Goldman (IN), 197

Clay Chaberski (IN), HWT

Class Overview:

Roach was a 2x state champion in three finals appearances. He placed 4^th at both NHSCA’s and Super32 and won FloNats after his JR season.

Sheridan had multiple high state placings. He is particularly impressive in GR, winning a Fargo title in that style last year. This spring he placed 3^rd at Sr. Nationals.

Goldman, the son of Hoosier front-man, Duane, surprised many with a terrific run at to the state title beating two nationally ranked kids in the process.

Chaberski was a state runner-up.

Comments:

What this class lacks in quantity, it makes up for with certainty. Roach and Sheridan will be mainstays in the Hoosier line-up for years.

Honorable Mention:

Army: #6-Conor Youtsey (MI), 125; Travis Mallo (IA), 174; Hudson Buck (CA), 184; Bryce Barnes (VA), 197; Stephen Snyder (MD), HWT

Air Force:  Dylan Hyder (WA), 125; Carter McElhany (CO), 133; Dan Dick (MN), 149/157; Konner Witt (OH), 165

Binghamton: #3-Nick Gwiazdowski (NY); 197/HWT; Derak Heyman (NY), 141/149; Adam Morris (PA), 157/165; Angelo Bortoluzzi (PA) 165; TR-Derek Steeley (Neosho CC), 125; TR-Brian St. James (Indiana), 133

Brown:  Tanner Hough (PA), 125; Zach Tanenbaum (KS), 133; Kenny Staub (ID), 141; Ricky McDonald (NV), 174; Ophir Bernstein (TX), 197

Bucknell: #20-Joe Stolfi (PA), 197; Austin Miller (PA), 125; Brandon Pesarchik (PA), 133; Joe Orecchio (NJ); 141

Columbia: Ryan Ponte (MA), 133; Elijah Sullivan (IA), 141/149; Eric Fajardo (NJ), 149; Chad Ryan (IA), 157; Ben Villaret (NY), 165; Shane Hughes (WI), 184; Matt Idelson (PA), 197; Austin Akins (VA), 197; Wyatt Baker (CA), HWT

Iowa State: Bo Schlosser (IA), 141; Aaron Sorenson (IA), 157; Logan Molina (NE), 165; Taylor Weatherman (IA), 174; Quean Smith (MI), HWT

Lock Haven: #5-Dan Neff (PA), 141; Cody Wheeler (PA), 133; Bobby Rehm (PA), 133; Matt Martoccio (PA), 149; Aaron McKinney (PA), 157/165; Phil Sprenkle (PA), 184

Maryland: #10-Geoff Alexander (PA), 133; #18-TJ Duncan (TN), 157; Josh Polacek (PA), 125; Lou Mascola (NJ), 141/149; Kyle DeHaut (PA), 149/157; Josh Snook (MD), 174/184; TR-Ian Squires (Boston), 141

Northern Iowa: #7-Cody Krumwiede (IA), HWT; Tanner Hiatt (IA), 157

Ohio: Garrett Garness (MN), 141; Zach Rohr (MN), 149; Andrew Romanchik (OH), 149; Spartak Chino (IL), 157; Cody Walters (OH), 165; Marshall Willet (OH), 174

Oklahoma: #11-Cody Brewer (MO), 133/141; Daniel DeShazer (KS), 125/133; Dalton Dennis (FL), 133; Jeromy Davenport (OK), 157; Andrew Spangler (IL), 174; Sam Wheeler (OH), 184

Pittsburgh: #16-Travis Shaffer (PA), 141/149; Ronnie Garbinsky (PA), 133/141; Nick Bonnacorsi (PA) 174/184;

Florida Prospect Signs LOI

Willie Saylor, Editor

Brandon, Florida has produced many Division I college wrestling prospects in recent years. You can add another name to that list.

Eagles 160/171lber, Wally Figaro informed TheOpenMat that on Thursday, the second day of the early signing period, he was signed, sealed and delivered to the UNC-Greensboro Spartans.

Figaro, who has a long list of national success, was recognized as our #3 Top Prospect at 165lbs in our series last month.

He’s won medals at the state tournament and Cheesehead, and also at Fargo where he has a collection of 5, including one Greco title.

His latest exploits saw him reach the finals of the Super32 tournament two weeks ago, ironically, or not, held in the Greensboro Coliseum.

Willie Saylor, Editor

When the dust settles from the NCAA Championships, fans turn their attention to the next crop of high school seniors that may one day fill out the line-ups for their respective teams. With most of the nations top prospects signed and the majority of college recruiting classes finalized, it’s time to take a look at just how each team fared.

In general there are three types of distinct classes: 1) the mass exodus class, in which a school has numerous kids graduating and is bringing in a large portion of what will make up their future line-up, 2) the reinforcement class, where there are some talented kids coming in, but who, until proven otherwise, will sit behind some of the elder statesman on the roster, and 3) the ‘need’ class, which is small, but studly and suits the teams immediate vacancies.

Of course, there is a bit of subjectivity in ranking each recruiting class. Some things we consider when evaluating each class other than talent and accomplishments are: team needs, potential to start/contribute, and, to some extent, the efficiency of using their scholarship allotment. For instance, we had Illinois ranked highly last year, and Oklahoma State this year although they brought in just a couple kids. But those wrestlers were of extremely high quality, and fit into their roster perfectly.

What gets lost in the sheer number of top talent coming in, is the line-up shuffle. Sure some kids may be ranked say, top 10 in the country, but they might be going to a program in which there are two proven kids around their weight. In such cases, their impact on a team could be minimal. As you’ll read below, this is the situation for a few teams this year, who are just as talented, if not more, than others ranked ahead of them. The dilemma: how much is a blue-chip recruit worth if he’s sitting behind a blue-chipper from a year ago?

You also should take into account who wasn’t signed. Of course it’s nice to have a bunch of talent come in, but if a particular team didn’t address an obvious need, why not? It doesn’t affect the class ranking (I’m not grading their ability to recruit) but it makes you wonder.

Certain schools have different approaches to recruiting. All the Virginia schools (UVA, VT, ODU) seem to wrangle as many kids as they can and see who pans out. A school like Illinois, on the other hand, generally only brings in a couple studs at a time.

In addition, I value those recruits that seem most stable; that provide fewer question marks and seem about as sure-fire as you can get. College wrestling is a different animal than high school. Lots of things can change, and do, including autonomy, desire, academic responsibilities, and competition level. In rating recruiting classes, sure things (or the closest things to them) gain a lot more points in my book than more general potential.

#1 Iowa (Last Year: 6th)
#1 Josh Dziewa (141) PA
#3 Jake Ballweg (141) IA
#11 Mike Kelly (157) IA
#2 Nick Moore (165) IA
#1 Mike Evans (174/184) PA
#2 Bobby Telford (HWT) DE
Anthony Baldosaro (149) NJ

What’s scarier than the Iowa Hawkeyes on a wrestling mat? Well, nothing. But the fact that they have the undisputed #1 recruiting class in the country might keep it that way.
Iowa loses an unimaginable 9 wrestlers that contributed greatly to their three-peat. If you include Montell Marion that number moves to ten, five of whom had reached the NCAA finals.

Credit Iowa for identifying (and securing) some of the top talent in the country. Mike Evans had perhaps the most impressive year of any high school wrestler. Josh Dziewa capped his high school career with an unbelievable run with titles at Fargo, Super32 (his second), a PA state title, and wins at the Dapper Dan and Dream Team.

Add to them in-state 4-timer Nick Moore and 3-timer Jake Ballweg, and one of the country’s top HWT’s, Bobby Telford, and you have the makings of a great potential line-up.

What’s best is, these guys fit in well to Iowa’s needs and plans. With the graduation of that many guys, Iowa spent their money wisely.

If there is a bone to pick with this class, you could say Iowa would have been served well grabbing a 197lber. And in retrospect, the disappointing senior season of NJ prospect Anthony Baldosaro might be cause for concern. But that’s grasping at straws of an otherwise stellar recruiting effort by the Hawkeye staff. And if anyone can get Baldosaro back on track, it’s Brands & Co.

Why they’re #1: Iowa brought in 5 guys in the top 3 and another (Baldosaro) that was #1 in the country to start the season. That’s more than half a potential line-up’s worth of top ranked kids in the country.

#2 Northwestern (LY: Unranked)
#2 Colin Shober (141) PA
#8 Kaleb Friedley (149) MO
#4 Lee Munster (184) IL
#4 Alex Polizzi (197) WI
#1 Mike McMullen (HWT) PA
Pierce Harger (157/165) OH

Northwestern plucks starting-caliber wrestlers at several weights, including the #1 ranked HWT in the land. And they’ll have to get to work early. Given their level of talent and the thin roster currently in Evanston, this group could get thrown into the Big Ten fire immediately.

Why they’re here: When you get half a line-up of guys that will almost certainly start in the Big Ten, all of whom are in the top 8 at their respective weight, you can’t ask for much more. That’s doing a heckuva job recruiting.

Why they’re not higher: Everyone has to fall in line behind Iowa this year.

#3 Penn State (LY: 5th)
#17 Frank Martellotti (133) PA
#1 Andrew Alton (141/149) PA
#15 Hank Stinson (149) NJ
#1 Dylan Alton (149/157) PA
#9 Dirk Cowburn (165) PA
Sam Sherlock (133) PA
Seth Beitz (133) PA
Nick Ruggear (197) PA

For the second straight recruiting year, the Nittany Lions bring two of the nation’s #1 prospects to campus. And for the second straight year, that number could be considered 3. Last year, #1’s David Taylor and Ed Ruth came to Happy Valley followed by Jake Kemerer when he decomitted from Oklahoma. Now they bring in the Alton twins and Sam Sherlock, who was ranked #1 in the country before tearing up his knee in the Beast of the East finals.

Dirk Cowburn, a former Fargo finalist and 3x PA state finalist, will enter a competitive race to start at 165, as will NJ state champ Hinson in the middleweights. Martellotti has been near the top of every tournament he’s entered in his high school career and will battle with Sherlock for time at 133.

Additionally, they bring in other very solid guys for depth. The Penn State roster is getting to the point where, like other top programs, you’ll have a fight on your hands everyday in practice, and, just to get into the line-up. That’s a good thing.

Why they’re here: Quantity and quality. The Alton brothers are two of the premier prospects in the country

Why they’re not higher: Recruiting Martelloti and Sherlock was essentially (at least for the short-term) recruiting for one weight. And will Sherlock return to form after injury? How does the Alton-Alton-Molinaro dilemma play out for (at least) the next two years? Will Cowburn start ahead of Kemerer?

These are good problems to have; problems of depth. The bottom line, for me, is relative certainty. Northwestern will almost certainly get utility out of all their guys in this class. Penn State’s group may have more up-side, but as good as they are, they’ll have to navigate through the depth in the room.

#4 Cornell (LY: 8th)
#2 Chris Villalonga (149) NJ
#12 Jesse Shanaman (157) NJ
#1 Marshall Peppelman (165) PA
#12 Billy George (184/197) NJ
#15 Evan Knight (184/197) IA
Ryan Dunphy (149) NJ
Matt Cunningham (184) PA
Jace Bennett (197) TX

The Big Red landed two major studs in Villalonga and Peppelman. Both had outstanding careers and possess mat skills that indicate a successful transition to college. These two will no doubt pay dividends in the Cornell line-up for a long time.

Behind them is a group of very talented and accomplished wrestlers. The Big Red wrestling room just keeps getting deeper and deeper.

Why they’re here: The way the classes developed, I’d consider Cornell Top 5 on Villalonga and Peppelman alone. Consider that these two are DI-ready now, and that they will fit perfectly into Cornell’s line-up next season in a very serious push for a national title. Then add to that Knight, George, Shanaman, etc, and you can see where this class’s impact is both immediate and lasting.

Why they’re not higher: Penn State and Cornell have very similar classes this year with two bona fide studs with legitimate talent surrounding them. At this point, the PSU contingent behind the Altons seems a bit more deep than those behind Pep and V.

#5 Minnesota (LY: 4th )
#15 Seth Lange (133) SD
#13 Chris Dardanes (133) IL
#3 Nick Dardanes (141) IL
#3 Dylan Ness (149) MN
#6 Tyler Lehman (184) ND
#5 Scott Schiller (197) ND
Joel Bauman (197) MN

The Gophers continue to stockpile talent. It seems they are annually among the top-rated squads when it comes to recruiting. That being the case, there are questions on where several of these guys will fit in. They’ll have to prove themselves.

Nick Dardanes and Dylan Ness seem like sure things and figure to anchor the middle of the line-up in the future.

Why they’re here: Four recruits ranked 6th or better and six in the top 15. JRob and staff did a good job identifying needs. They get their heir-apparents in the middle and some much need help at 197, a weight which, for the Gophers, things never seem to go according to plan.

Why they’re not higher: It’s difficult to be much higher considering what’s in front of them. Because they bring in quality classes every year, 5th isn’t much to be upset about. In totality, the talent coming into the Gopher room might be greater than that of Cornell. But Cornell has two studs with pre-defined roles. With Minny, you have David Thorn coming off redshirt at 133 (where two or even three of these recruits are slated) and Danny Zilverberg and/or Jake Deitchler ahead of Dylan Ness initially. Overall, I love the class, but the details will have to work themselves out. One caveat: they’ll soon need to bring someone in to groom behind Sanders at 125.

#6 Iowa State (LY: Honorable Mention)
#1 Ryak Finch (125) AZ
#19 Luke Goettl (141) AZ
#4 Joey Cozart (157) FL
#5 Mike Moreno (174) IA
#15 Mikey England (184) IA
#8 Kyven Gadsen (197) IA
Brandon Jones (125) IA

Coach Jackson had some money to play with in his first full recruiting cycle. Like Iowa, ISU has several mainstays of their line-up graduating and subsequently freeing up scholarship money.

If you’re a Cyclone fan, you have to love this class. Finch is a career 125lber, a rarity these days. The 2009 Double Fargo Champ will get ISU off to a good start for the next 4 or 5 years.

One of my personal favorites of this class is Kyven Gadsen, who flies a bit under-the-radar. He has all the tools and a work ethic to boot. Under Jackson’s tutelage, the sky’s the limit for him.

Why they’re here: The Cyclones grabbed six Top 20 kids, including #1Finch. ISU’s recruits are spread out across all weights. Very comparable to Northwestern’s incoming class and situation. I expect almost all of these kids to be in the starting line-up relatively early in their careers.

Why they’re not higher: This class certainly has all the ingredients for success. But many of them will be called on fresh out of high school, and I think, initially, they’ll take some lumps. More so than, say, the group headed to Northwestern.

#7 Arizona State (LY: Unranked)
#5 Louis Trujillo (133/141), NM
#8 Nathan Hoffer (141/149), AK
#5 Joel Smith (149) GA
#10 Tommy Burriel (184/197) CA
Shane McGough (125) AZ
Derek Felton (174) AZ
Bobby Bowman (174/184), MD
Bubba Jenkins (149/157) VA (Penn St.)
Luke Macchiaroli (197) AZ (Penn St.)

This could prove to be a dream class for ASU. Several highly accomplished high school wrestlers and Macchiaroli, who still has 4 years of eligibility left, come to Tempe.

Trujillo won 3 NHSCA titles. Hoffer and Smith were both finalists.

Tommy Burriel is a wrestler to really keep an eye on. His only loss in the state tournament this year was a 1pt. decision in the finals to Morgan McIntosh.

Bowman was a National Prep finalist, and McGough, a Fargo placer.

Why they’re here: In terms of style, the three guys brought in for 33 through 49 couldn’t be more different: Trujillo a brawler, Hoffer a motor, and Smith pure athleticism. The thing they have in common is talent and a penchant for winning. Here’s that word again, but ‘if’ they put in the time, this class could put Arizona State back on the map as a dominant western program. Like Northwestern and ISU, the ASU program figures to get a ton of miles out of this group.

Why they’re not higher: Most years, they probably would be higher. But with a few teams experiencing high turnover, and in effect replenishing half their team, ASU sits at #7. You should figure each of these guys (outside of Bubba) to start for the Sun Devils for several years. The good thing for this class: the way their roster is set up, most of them will be afforded the luxury of a redshirt year, before the majority of them get in the line-up in 2011.

#8 Ohio State (LY: 11th)
#1 Logan Steiber (125) OH
#9 Josh Demas (174) OH
Tyrell Fortune (HWT) OR (Clackamas, JUCO)

Talk about can’t-miss. Logan Steiber is the consensus #1 overall recruit. Competing at 121.5 in Senior-Level events, Steiber should be the spark-plug that gets the Buckeyes going for the next four years. I don’t say this often, if ever, but you’d have to consider Steiber an All-American, if not finalist, contented immediately.

While the Buckeyes may only receive the services of Fortune, who was a JUCO Champion, for an abbreviated period, he’s by all accounts legitimate and will make an immediate impact.

Josh Demas is a kid that flies a bit under the radar. But he’s athletic and has all the tools. With the coaching he’ll receive in Columbus, his ceiling is extremely high and belies his #9 ranking. His only loss in his senior campaign occurred in the Ironman semi’s in a one-takedown bout with standout Nick Sulzer.

Why they’re here: Talk to college coaches and they’ll tell you the toughest thing in recruiting is finding career 125lbers and DI-ready heavyweights. Coach Ryan nabbed both in one class, and the best available, to boot.

Why they’re not higher: Simply on volume. If you talk efficiency, tOSU scores perfect. Although, this class could have been monster. The Buckeyes missed on potential recruits Mike Evans and Marshall Peppelman, and Derek Garcia deferred enrolling until next season. That would have given tOSU 4 #1’s and Fortune. But that’s water under the bridge. As it stands, the Buckeyes got themselves an outstanding class and Garcia in the fold for 2011.

#9 Oklahoma (LY: 2nd )
#8 Justin DeAngelis (149) OK
#20 Matt White (157/165) OK
#12 Parker Madl (165) KS
#8 Ronnie Balfour (165/174) OK
#18 Kyle Colling (197/HWT) NY
#12 Qunicy Mondaine (197/HWT) OK
Ian Fisher (133) OK
Chase Nelson (157) KS (Labette CC)

I love what the Sooners did with this class. After a stellar crop of light and middle weights came in last year, the Oklahoma staff concentrated on the back half of their line-up. Their individual rankings are on the bottom side of the Top 20, due in some part, to less national exposure. But, they’re all talented and accomplished.

Why they’re here: They have six guys ranked in the Top 20. Most of them are raw and unpolished kids who should improve greatly under Spates and Henson. In my opinion, you’re looking at a few future All-Americans in this class. They’re prospects in the same vein as last year’s Tyler Caldwell.

Why they’re not higher: Like I said: ‘raw and unpolished’. It’s one reason they aren’t ranked higher individually. They have work to do to get there. But the coaches certainly have a good bunch to work with.

#10 Nebraska (LY: 3rd)
#3 Keith Surber (133) IL
#11 Greg Amos (149) MO
#6 Brandon Wilborn (157) MO
#5 Robert Kokesh (165) SD
#20 Matt Dwyer (197) IL
Brandon Rubino (125) IL
Chad Stroh (141) CO
Dakota McGrew (174) MO

For the second straight year, Nebraska-bound wrestlers tore it up at Senior Nationals. Last year it was CJ Napier and Cody Compton winning titles. This year Huskers-to-be made three finals appearances at NHSCA’s, winning two titles, a runner-up, a 3rd, and a 5th.

Keith Surber rallied up the rankings. He finished 3rd in our final list, but had a claim to the #1 spot after beating the incumbent, Frank Cagnina, at the Dream Team Classic. He should fit into the line-up nicely from the get-go, between David Klingsheim and Napier, who is reportedly moving up to 141.

I had the opportunity to see Brandon Wilborn twice this season. As luck would have it, it occurred at the first (Super32) and last (Sr. Nationals) events of the season. No high school wrestler in the entire country improved so much over the course of one season. Which is saying something, because he wasn’t too shabby at Super32’s to begin with.

Why they’re here: Of the weights they identified as needs, three of their recruits were in the top 6 in the country, two others in the top 20. Along with last year’s class, Nebraska has put together a team to contend going forward. They also have brought in quality depth both last season and this season. The unranked guys listed are all state champions.

Why they’re not higher: I’m not sure how ready some of these guys are to compete right away. Surber and Wilborn, probably. And maybe Kokesh. The others may need a season or two of preparation. I know the Nebraska’s rankings are higher, but all things considered, The Sooners probably get more Varsity years out of their group than this Husker class.

#11 Maryland (LY: Honorable Mention)
#6 Frank Goodwin (133) MD
#4 Mark Hartenstine (141/149) PA
#7 Ben Dorsay (149/157) VA
#1 Spencer Myers (HWT) PA
Jenkins Monzey, (125) MD
Kenny Collado (125) NY
Shane Gentry (125/133) VA (Prep Transfer)

Gentry enjoyed a fine career at Colonial Forge and ended the 2009 season on our Top Prospect list. After a season at Navy Prep, he’s on board the Terp train.

With him in the fold coaches McCoy and Beckerman are bringing what should be a significant portion of the line-up to campus in one class.

Dorsay was the Beast Champ. Goodwin, who had a fairly uneventful season was a Fargo AA last summer.

Spencer Myers won the Dapper Dan match ousting then-#1 Trevor Rupp in one of the few PA victories. He seems to be a perfect fit for Coach McCoy to work with; a long, lean, athletic heavyweight.

Hartenstine has placed in nearly all the major national tournaments. He brings an odd set of talents to College Park, in that he’s more proficient on the mat than in neutral. If he can work on his leg defense, he could be an immediate impact. He placed at last year’s East Stroudsburg Open.

Why they’re here: This is your blue-collar class of the year. Think of a ‘high floor’; the risk of these guys experiencing a hiccup is minimal as they’re all hard-working, character guys. Those ranked (and Gentry) should be serviceable from the start.

Why they’re not higher: Maryland gets a fine base to work with. But they’re not flashy. Expecting immediate AA status from any of these guys might be a stretch. They could post good records and be competitive in the ACC. But how many matches they win at NCAA’s will be determined on their work and their development.

#12 Indiana (LY: 23rd )
#13 Zach Zimmer (125) CA
#6 Brandon Wright (125/133) IN
#11 Joe Duca (125/133) NJ
#2 Ryen Nieman (141) MI
#6 Taylor Walsh (149) PA
#18 Preston Keiffer (165) NJ
Brian St. James (125) GA

Aided by Asst. Joe Dubuque’s New Jersey connection, the Hoosiers are bringing in a banner class. All seven of the recruits listed were state finalists in this season, including Duca, Nieman, and Walsh, who won’t multiple titles.

Why they’re here: It’s a whole lotta talent. Several of them are lightweights, which Indiana has had recent success with. And most of them will probably be able to take a redshirt year and develop before they collectively pose a nice core in 2011.

Why they’re not higher: Three guys at two spots at the lightweights + incumbent starter Matt Ortega on the roster, which, without a weight increase for several guys, will make one of them expendable. Taylor Walsh, though he always seems to win, has quite an unconventional style. Can it be effective on the next level?

#13 Oklahoma State (LY: 1st )
#1 Josh Kindig (141/149) PA
#2 Nick Schenk (133/141) DE

Like Cornell’s class, without the accompaniment, The Pokes collected what could be the two missing pieces to round out their chances for the very near future.
The Cowboys are young and talented and have everything put in place outside of the flexibility in the lighter weights. Should Schenk and Kindig not be needed for 2010, they can redshirt and get ready for 2011 when Albert White moves on.

Either way the Cowboy staff did an excellent job at identifying needs and patching holes with phenomenal talent. Again, an ‘A’ for efficiency here.

Why they’re here: Two of the top prep wrestlers for two desperately needed weight classes.

Why they’re not higher: Because there’s just two of them, and because neither may be needed for a year. After last year’s #1 recruiting haul, this is all they needed.

#14 Lehigh (LY: 17th )
#1 Frank Cagnina (133/141) NJ
#9 Steve Dutton (141/149) NY
#13 Anthony Salupo (149/157) OH
#6 Eric Hess (165) PA

For Head Coach Pat Santoro and Asst’s Dillon and Hughes, priority #1 (and 2) this recruiting cycle was getting replacements for 4-year starters Matt Fisk and Seth Ciasulli. They did just that with the additions of Cagnina and Dutton, two kids who’ve wrestled at a high level nationally.

Why they’re here: With the mid-to-upper weights set, 33 and 41 were the only pressing needs. And the Mountain Hawks settled that in a big way. Hess has shown the ability to wrestle with the best in the country.

Why they’re not higher: A few reasons. 1) The small size of the class. 2) The number of guys they already have on the roster from 149 thru 165. 3) Eric Hess’ health. Let’s all hope he makes a solid recovery.

#15 Virginia Tech (LY: 18th)
#5 Ty Mitch (125) OH
#3 Devin Carter (125/133) VA
#9 Harrison Hightower (157) OH
T.J. Mitchell (125/133) GA
Chris Moon (157/165) VA
Tanner Eitel (174) TX
Angelo Malvestuto (197) NY

To say that VT is focusing on lightweights would be an understatement. They have 5 guys at 133 or less on their roster, picked up three more in this class, and are rumored to have a transfer coming in at this weight as well.

You can’t deny their ability. Carter and Mitch have been wrestling all over the country at a high level for years. T.J. Mitchell, after an up-and-down season that saw him reach the Midwest Classic Finals and DNP at POWERade, won Senior Nationals in impressive fashion.

Why they’re here: Top shelf talent and some solid kids mixed in. Overall, it’s a talented class that should be very competitive in the future for the Hokies.

Why they’re not higher: The unranked kids have all had big wins, but have had trouble with consistency. The lightweights are their obvious strength, but with Jarrod Garnett, Erik Spjut, Brock Livorio, and Chris Diaz already on the roster, where and when are they going to fit in?

#16 Edinboro (LY: Unranked)
#2 Mitchell Port (125/133) PA
#6 A.J. Schopp (133/141) PA
#15 David Habat (157) OH
Kory Mines (125) OH
Nate Gaffney (197/HWT) PA

The Scots put together a very solid class. Port and Schopp, both 4x state placers in PA, really shined this season, capping their careers with state titles.

Mines and Habat enjoyed fantastic prep careers in one of the toughest states in the country.

Why they’re here: Port and Schopp should be mainstays of the line-up for years to come. And, under the tutelage of Coach Flynn and company, who show a tremendous ability to develop kids, the others could as well. They all have the talent to be DI starters.

Why they’re not higher: Gaffney. A year ago, he beat now #1 Spencer Myers in the state finals, and then again in the state FS finals. Gaffney’s stock was soaring. But a disappointing season (especially the DNP performance at Hershey) raised serious questions. If Gaffney gets back on track, you’re possibly looking at half a line-ups worth of starters for a prominent DI team, all in one recruiting class. In which case, this ranking is way too low.

#17 Virginia (LY: 9th)
#14 Gus Sako (133) OH
#16 Joe Spisak (133/141) PA
#4 Nick Sulzer (165) OH
#19 Derek Papagianopoulis (HWT) MA
Bryan Whitt (125) VA
Tanner Moon (125) AL
Tanner Hirstine (157) CO
Billy Coggins (174) NY

If anyone knows of a sportsbook in Vegas to put a little wager on future All-Americans, drop me a line. I’d love to put some dough on Sulzer. He’s an outright stud with a good attitude.

The Cavaliers class is comparable to the Hokies, with a better spread of talent around all weight classes. Everyone on their list was a state champion this year other than Papa, who was 4th in a deep National Prep HWT field.

Why they’re here: One stud and a troop of very solid kids that could be the bulk of the line-up for years to come.

Why they’re not higher: This class may actually pay more dividends toward their team’s success compared to VT’s. However, the Hokies frontline recruits are more credentialed and, in my opinion, have the talent to be All-Americans sooner than these Cavs.

#18 Illinois (LY: 13th)
#11 Jamie Clark (133)
#3 Jackson Morse (157)
Jed Lightfoot (141)

This class is a bit of a head-scratcher. Not the talent. But the numbers. I like Coach Heffernan’s approach, which seems to be plucking absolute studs and avoiding a room full of ‘average’ recruits. He certainly doesn’t waste schollies on ‘fluff’, which is absolutely critical in today’s collegiate climate.

But last year, Illinois signed just two guys (Sammy White, Tony Dallago). They graduated John Dergo and Patrick Bond, and the state of Illinois is producing a bumper crop of high school talent. I anticipated them signing more. The process of only taking elite guys could be genius. I’m just not sure I understand why they didn’t grab additional guys in this cycle. Four recruits in two years is odd.

Why they’re here: Illinois got an absolute hammer in Jackson Morse. If Clark can regain his old form, the Illini will have done another efficient job using limited scholarships.

Why they’re not higher: When Jamie Clark walked off the mat as a junior, the sky was the limit for him. He was then a consensus #1 wrestler, a prize recruit, and an Ohio legend. But after shoulder surgery and a thigh injury kept him out of action all summer and into his senior season, questions emerged. He was eventually able to get back on the mat and win his third state title. But it was obvious he wasn’t himself. At this time last year, I would have ranked a Morse-Clark class higher. At its full potential, it rivals Kindig-Schenk and Steiber-Demas.

#19 Northern Iowa (LY: Unranked)
#5 Levi Wolfensberger (133) IA
#8 Joe Latham (165) SD
#16 Brock Weatherman (174) IA
Seth Noble (141/149) IA

While the Head Coaching position is still to be decided, the talent going to Northern Iowa isn’t. Four quality wrestlers will head to Cedar Falls.

Wolfensberger and Latham were both state champions and Senior National Runners-Up.

Weatherman and Noble were two-time champs, three time finalists in Iowa.

Why they’re here: There’s a lot of upside with these recruits and all the potential in the world with the ability to move right in and contend for a starting spot. Don’t be surprised to see Wolfensberger and Latham reach the Big Dance in their freshman campaigns.

Why they’re not higher: This group could prove its mettle. But Weatherman and Noble have limited national results. Overall, an awesome contingent headed to UNI.

#20 Penn (LY: Unranked)
#7 Andrew Lenzi (141) NY
#17 Brad Wukie (165) OH
#3 Kyle Cowan (HWT) OK
Canaan Bethea (174) NJ

Coach Eiter did a wonderfully efficient job with this class. All four recruits are state finalists.

Lenzi comes in as one of New York’s most impressive seniors. Wukie flew under the radar with the abundant talent coming out of Ohio this year, but his runner-up finish at Ironman and his state title attest to his ability.

Kyle Cowan never lost a match in high school. Bethea was a runner-up in New Jersey. With the talent in that state, and a single class system, that doesn’t happen by accident.

Why they’re here: Grabbing Cowan late was huge. Quality big men with Ivy League transcripts are a rarity. It’s an efficient use of four roster spots. Count on seeing all four in the Quaker line-up.

Why they’re not higher: National results, which are few and far between in this group. Lenzi and Bethea have placed at NHSCA’s. But, Wukie doesn’t have much national caliber results. And, to my knowledge, Cowan has never wrestled a match outside of his home state. That doesn’t mean they won’t be terrific. Just that, in the grand scheme of things, this group is a bit unproven compared to others.

#21 Binghamton (LY: Unranked)
#2 Tyler Beckwith (174/184)
#8 Lance Moore (HWT)
Nick Meinsen (141)

There’s no two ways around it: Tyler Beckwith is a stud. And at Binghamton he’s in a perfect training environment. He’s one of the very few kids I think pundits could agree that they have few if any reservations about. Watch for him to challenge for AA honors immediately.

Lance Moore has proven to be amongst the nation’s elite big men. In ’09 he placed 3rd in the PA state tournament before moving to New York and winning a title. Shortly after, he gave New Jersey’s 3x state champion, Jimmy Lawson all he could handle in the NHSCA Senior National Final.

Why they’re here: Surety. Beckwith should be a winner from the get-go. Moore should be very competitive in conference and eventually win matches at NCAA’s. Meinsen is a solid prospect.

Why they’re not higher: Numbers. It’s a small class. Other schools might have a leg up in volume of talent. It’s a balancing act between stud AA candidates and line-up productivity, which those ahead of them seem to have a bit more promise of.

#22 Missouri (LY: 20th)
#4 Alan Waters (125) MO
#16 Simon Kitzis (141) PA
#16 Drake Houdashelt (157) MO
Efrain Aguilar (125) WA
Chase Nitcher (149) KS
Johnny Eblen (197) MO
Dan Gonsor (157) OH (U of Virginia)

Missouri brings a talented class to Columbus. Several of these kids have significant national-level awards. The gem is lightweight Alan Waters, a 4x State Champion who made several Fargo National Finals appearances.

Kitzis has long been competitive. He’s been a Fargo All-American, a Beast Champ, and an Ironman Finalist. Houdashelt has won his state tournament and appeared in NHSCA’s Jr. National finals.

This is a tough class to handicap. Waters and Eblen should have the opportunity to start rather quickly. But the others might have to fight through the pecking order. Aguilar and Kitzis had some unexpected losses this year. And Nitcher has little national credentials.

Why they’re here: Because of Waters, and on the potential the staff can work with. Eblen becomes the heir apparent to a long-line of successful Tiger upperweights.

Why they’re not higher: There’s not much certainty. If any of these guys fails to AA (outside of Waters) it wouldn’t be that shocking. While Houdashelt is certainly talented, he’ll have Zach Toal, and several 157’s (including Gonsor) on the current roster to contend with just to get in the line-up. Similar situation for Kitzis behind Bouonus/McCormick.

#23 Michigan State (LY: Honorable Mention)
#11 Sean McMurray (157) IN
#19 Nick Proctor (165/174) IL
#7 Nick McDiarmid (197/HWT) MI
Nick Humes (149) MI
John Rizgallah (184) MI
Kamron Jackson (197) MI (N. Idaho)

Sean McMurray’s ranking may be a bit misleading. He was perhaps the most dominant and versatile (he wrestled many weights) in a Hoosier state that produced an excellent class of seniors.

Proctor had a bit of a misstep in state finals but had an otherwise outstanding career. He won what was probably considered the deepest bracket at the Illinois state tournament his junior season and was a Fargo All-American.

McDiarmid won multiple state titles and this year’s Senior National crown.

In addition, they get two-time Michigan state champion, Jackson, who placed 3rd at this year’s Junior College National Championships.

Why they’re here: A lot of quality talent. I also like the flexibility the three ranked kids have. They have shown the ability to move up and down the line-up and be successful, a trait that could come in handy for Coach Minkel, and to get them on the mat quicker.

Why they’re not higher: This group will definitely be productive. They’ll be on the mat and winning matches for the Spartans. How far will they go on the national scene is a bit of a question, and as in most cases in recruiting, will be determined upon their development. It’s a class much like Missouri’s except that the MSU guys will have a better opportunity to get in the line-up early.

#24 Rutgers (LY: Honorable Mention)
#18 Jordan Beverly (149) NJ
#10 Nick Visicaro (165) NJ
#12 Anthony Volpe (165) NY
Mike Wagner (197) NJ

The Good: Rutgers is getting four outstanding recruits. All were state finalists. In addition Beverly made the finals of Super32’s and Sr. Nationals. Visicaro was a 2x State Champ and Fargo AA. Volpe won a state title and placed at NHSCA’s all four years. Wagner’s singular loss this season came in the state finals to Campolattano.

The Bad: Their class could have been scary. Joe Duca decided to go to Indiana. Dziewa to Iowa. Meinsen to Binghamton. And Lawson to Monmouth for football.

The Ugly: Rutgers fans are known to be overzealous and display a taking-over-the-world attitude. But it really could get ugly for Rutgers opponents in the future. If Rutgers is pulling classes like this and are still disappointed, it’s probably a good sign.

Why they’re here: There’s no fluff in this class. All four wrestlers are solid and should be productive in their careers.

Why they’re not higher: Another sign that Rutgers truly is on the rise: some of these kids will fight to simply get in the line-up. It could take a year or more for some of them to find their spot, possibly limiting how much they get out of these four.

#25 Boise State (LY: 19th)
#14 Carson Kuhn (125) UT
#18 Kade Moss (133/141) UT
#7 Stephen Hernandez (157) NV
Deron Winn (174) MO (Meramec CC)

Boise brings in an efficient class with four accomplished kids coming on board.

Kuhn has medaled multiple times at Fargo and recently won Western Regionals. He figures to be a career 125lber.

Moss, a 4x Utah state champion also won Western Regionals last weekend. He was just shy of placing in both styles at Fargo last year.

Hernandez has placed at all major national tournaments including NHSCA’s, Fargo, Reno, and the Ironman.

Deron Winn had an outstanding career as a Missouri prep athlete and brings college experience, as he won a JUCO title last season.

Why they’re here: Winn is ready to go now. And Hernandez has the physical maturity to do so as well. These guys are both built for the rigors of the DI grind.

Why they’re not higher: Expectations for Moss and Kuhn should be tempered. It may take them a few seasons to develop. Also, as solid as Hernandez and Winn are, they may have limited upside. Winn is a two-year rental. And Hernandez is a stationary, defensive wrestler. One of Coach Randall’s jobs will be getting him more offensive at the next level.

Honorable Mention:

Cal Poly: #12 Tucker Armstrong (141) OH, #13 Drew Meulman (HWT) CA, Jesse Delgado (133) CA, Dominic Kastl (165) CA, Travis Gallegos (174) CA

Navy: #18 Pat Prada (133) MD, #10 Colton Rasche (133/141) IL, Justis Flamio (125) NY, Joe Locksmith (141) FL

UNC: #11Andre Petroski (174/184) PA, #13Antonio Giorgio (184/197) PA, Pat Owens (133) PA, Nick Heilman (141) NJ, Corey Mock (149/157) NC,

Bucknell: #10 Jordan Rich (141) PA, #18 Stephen McPeek (184) TX, Alex Pelliciotti (133) PA, Jamie Westwood, (174) NJ, Austin Fallon (197) VA

Pitt: #16 Jordan Moss (157) PA, #5 Max Thomousseit (197) OH, Erik Galloway (141) PA, Ty Wilps (184) PA

Below you will find TOM’s Team recruiting ranking for the 2010 recruiting classes. We will update these as more wrestlers sign or commit to a program. These are based on TOM’s Prospect rankings.

Find them here:

By: The Open Mat Editor – Willie Saylor

#1 Oklahoma State

Coming off one of the most lackluster years in recent memory, The Cowboys and Coach John Smith appear poised to make a run at a record 35th title in the near future. They bring in nearly a full line-up of Division I talent with 9 recruits in all, that along with their 5th ranked 2008 class, should form a formidable team for years to come.

The big guns are in-state prospects Chris Perry(184) and Dallas Bailey(165). Perry, our #1 prospect at the weight, won this year’s Fila Jr. FS title by beating several NCAA qualifiers, a Fargo FS title, 3 state titles and the Reno tournament. Bailey, our #2 at 165, won 3 state titles, the Beast, and has been a Fargo AA.

Other In-state guys include Ladd Rupp(#7, 125) who won three state titles and 2 Fargo medals, Zach White(#8, 174), a 2xer, and 3xer Stephen Swan(149), who won a Dream Team match and recently re-committed to the Cowboys.

Coach Smith plucked Illinois for 3 top prospects. Jon Morrison(#4, 125) won two Dvorak titles and was featured in 2 finals of both his state championships and Fargo. Junior College transfer, Albert White(149) won a JUCO National title last year. Mike Benefiel(174), a transfer from Northwestern, was a 4xer in Illinois, and recently won the 2009 University National Freestyle Championships.

From the international department, OSU brings in Russian Zilan “Alan” Gelogaev(197), who has impressive international wins, placed third at HWT. in last season’s Central Missouri Open, losing only to eventually NCAA champion, Mark Ellis.

Where They’re Here:
They have an incredible amount of talent coming in, most of which is validated by the competition they faced and its recency. They have can’t miss prospects (Perry, Bailey) immediate impact transfers (White, Benefiel) and the building blocks of a strong foundation. As large of a class as this is, there’s a purpose for the majority of them. Many of them will find a place in the line-up within the first two years. Expect the bulk of this class to serve as the core of a team that contends for national championships in the future.

#2 Oklahoma

After having 3 wrestlers fall in the NCAA round of 12 and failing to bring home any All-American medals, Coach Jack Spates needs to get the winning tradition back on track in Norman. This class will certainly help, featuring 6 ranked wrestlers from five different states, all of which were top 8 in our Dirty Dozen College Prospects. Spates reached into his back yard to nab consensus #1 Jake Kemerer(165), who owns two state titles and a Dapper Dan win over Dallas Bailey. Also from the northeast, Alex Eckstom(NY), our #3 at 133, boasts 4 state titles and a NHSCA Junior crown. The Lester Brothers of Missouri are also on board. Nick(#6, 149) was a 3x state finalist and 3x Fargo AA, while big brother Matt(#4, 157) won 2 state titles, an NHSCA Junior crown and last year’s Fargo FS National championship.

The Sooners pick up two wrestlers who each have three state titles and a 2008 Midwwest Classic crown: Tyler Caldwell(#6, 165) of Kansas and in-state product, Jerrod Patterson (#8, 133).

Why They’re Here:
A bona fide #1 and several more within the top 8 in the country at their perspective weights. That’s a ton of talent, and most of them have significant national credentials. This class could contribute the bulk of their starters for years to come.

Why They’re Not Higher:
Just a bit more national exposure from Caldwell and Patterson may have served them well. But in all reality, how much higher could they go? The Sooner faithful should be extremely pleased.

#3 Nebraska

Coach Mark Manning and staff bring 6 accomplished wrestlers from 6 different states to Lincoln. David Klingsheim(125) a 2x champ, 4x placer, in the tough CA single class tournament, headlines the class as our #2 ranked prospect at the weight. Now teammates Cody Compton(157, MO) and C.J. Napier(133/141, KS) won NHSCA’s as seniors. Both were 4x state place-winners and with multiple Fargo AA finishes, including Napier’s Cadet national FS title.

Caleb Kolb(174, PA) followed his undefeated state championship season with a 4th place finish at senior nationals and a Dapper Dan victory. Kyle Waldo(125) became the state of Michigan’s 14th ever four-timer and placed third at senior nationals while lone in-state recruit, Michael Klingensmith(149) polished of his third consecutive undefeated season.

Why They’re Here:
Perhaps no other program filled holes with DI-ready recruits as well as Nebraska did with Klingsheim and Napier. They will start immediately. Kolb, who started wrestling at a relatively late age, has a ton of upside and Compton could fill the void left by Burroughs or Dwyer in year. This class is a lot like Cornell’s. Expect a lot of quality seasons from these guys, probably early on. At least four of them should start within a season.

Why They’re Not Higher:
We’re sold on the ability for several in this class to be solid and productive, but can they reach the upper-echelon; can they win matches at NCAAs? Many of them came on late with impressive performances, but they are still a bit more ‘raw’ than some other recruits.

#4 Minnesota

Coach Robinson backs up his stellar 2008 class with this outstanding ’09 edition. Jake Deichtler(165, MN) re-affirms his ’08 commitment after making the U.S. Olympic Team fresh out of high school. Alec Ortiz(165, OR) has won 4 state titles, the Reno tournament, and a staggering 9 combined Fargo and Fila medals, including this years Fila Junior Nationals runner-up finish.

Three Gopher legacies come aboard. David Thorn(141, MN) and Bart Reiter(133, IA) both own 4 state titles and Fargo medals, while Danny Zilverberg(141, MN) reached state finals twice. All have, or had, brothers on the Gopher squad.

Minnesota state champions, Kevin Steinhaus(165), Tony Nelson(197) and Jake Kettler(HWT), also come to campus.

Why They’re Here:
Deichtler and Ortiz, who will likely redshirt, are top flight gets. Thorn and Reiter should prove to be very solid. There’s a great balance here of blue-chippers and depth.

Why They’re Not Higher:
A lot of it has to do with their own recruiting success of the recent past. There’s certainly a lot of talent coming in, but it’s possible that just 4 of them ever see much more than 1 competitive season. Nelson won Seniors but it was a very thin field and he will have to contend with Ryland Geiger(197, r-Fr.) and/or Atticus Disney(HWT, r-FR.) for 4 years. In the end, you’re probably looking at 4 regular starters, and I don’t see this class having as much impact to their team as the classes above. But then again, there’s only 3 of them!

#5 Penn State

The incoming class for Coach Sanderson’s first campaign in Happy Valley is a small but unparalleled. Their rankings, according to Our Dirty Dozen Prospects: #1, #1, #6. A product of powerhouse St. Paris Graham, David Taylor(149/157), who has won just about every major prep accomplishment, was considered the consensus #1 recruit at any weight. A double Fargo winner as both cadet and junior, the only 4x Ironman champion in the tournament’s history, a 4x Ohio big school division state champion, the only thing in question is what weight he will wrestle in the future. Former PSU coach, Troy Sunderland did the program one last favor by signing Ed Ruth(174) before he blew up on the national scene. After losing to now-teammate Quentin Wright at the PIAA state tournament as a junior, Ruth went on to win NHSCA’s junior nationals. He then transferred to Blair Academy and won National Preps and The Ironman, before capping his prep career at Senior Nationals with an impressive 12-3 win over Ethan Lofthouse in the finals.

The final piece of the class is Arizona 197lb prospect Luke Macchiaroli, who won 3 state titles.

Why They’re Here:
Not only is Penn State the only team in the country to sign two #1’s, they signed the clearest-cut #1’s. No two recruits had distanced themselves from the rest of the senior class at their perspective weights than did Ruth and Taylor.

Why They’re Not Higher:
Signing 20% of the nations #1’s is certainly cause for optimism. But the classes ahead of them are significantly bigger. They didn’t sign anyone for depth and with the coaching change, failed to address future needs at 125 and 133. Macchiaroli, much like Cornell’s Stryker Lane, dominated in-state competition, but, other than an AA showing 2 years ago as a cadet, doesn’t have much of a resume versus national competition.

By Willie Saylor – Editor The Open Mat.com

#6 Iowa

The Hawkeyes land yet another windfall of a recruiting class, this one featuring in-state 2xers, Derek St. John, who recently won a Fila Freestyle title, and is our #1 157lb prospect, and Dylan Carew(149) who also has 2 Dvorak and two Fargo national crowns.

Coach Brands also picked up Illinois 3xer, Tony Ramos, who has 6 Fargo medals and 2008 Fila freestyle title. The final recruit is Utah 4xer Ethan Lofthouse(174), with 3 NHSCA and 1 Ironman finals appearances along with 2 Fargo national titles.

In the transfer department, former Cyclone, Tyler Clark will shift allegiances to become Iowa’s 125lber after redshirting one season. Clark posted a 25-8 record in tough schedule that included wins over several All-Americans. He finished as Big 12 runner-up and an NCAA qualifier. He was 1-2 at this year’s national tournament.

Where They’re Here:
A lot of promise and a ton of hardware. Our #1 157lber (St. John) and a proven DI winner (Clark) with two years of eligibility and a redshirt to burn.

Why They’re Not Higher:
The top 5 either have more of a ‘sure thing’ or more kids with similar credentials. Lofthouse and Ramos had some questionable losses which factor in bit, as does, however slightly, St. John’s loss to Nicholson.

#7 Michigan

Coach McFarland brings in a small but talented recruiting class to Ann Arbor, featuring the nations #1 133lb prospect on Dirty Dozen list, Florida extraordinaire, Eric Grajales, who’s won everything from Fila National titles, Fargo titles, the Super32 and a fall in the Dapper Dan as well as taking care of business in his own state to the tune of 4 state titles. His workout partner may be Sean Boyle(125), a Blair grad who is arguably the best prospect at his weight as well. Boyle has won, The National Preps twice, the Beast twice, a Massachusetts’ state title, and, just for good measure, this year’s Senior NHSCA crown.

Another future Wolverine, in-state 3xer, Dan Yates(165) also won Senior’s this season. Brandon Zeerip(157), will join his brother on the squad. Brandon was to 3 Michigan state finals.

Why They’re Here:
Certainty with Boyle and Grajales, who might be the single most DI-ready wrestler in the country as a true freshman. These two will certainly team up for a great deal of hardware at NCAAs.

Why They’re Not Higher:
It was difficult to put them behind Iowa. But Yates is coming off a questionable loss at Disney, and it’s a small class in general.

#8 Cornell

The Big Red bring in quite a nice haul to Ithaca. The Big Gun of the group is our #1 141lber in the Dirty Dozen, home state product, Kyle Dake, who won NHSCAs as a senior, junior, and sophomore. The second big recruit (emphasis on big) is Stryker Lane out of Colorado. The heavyweight won state titles and was ranked 6th in the country. Also on board is 3x NYS finalist Mike Nevinger (141) and 3x Michigan state champion, Craig Eifert (149). At 125 Coach Koll picked up Tyler Biscaha, a NJ state champion along with 4x state place-winner and Ironman runner-up, Cody Kelly(133, PA).

Why They’re Here:
This is sort of a yeoman’s class; a nice, safe class that is sure to result in production. Dake is a number one and guys like Biscaha, Kelly, and Nevinger are very steady. Cornell’s class offers fewer questions that most others. Essentially, you know you’re getting guys that can compete.

Why They Not Higher:
Stryker Lane’s non-existent national record. Lane may have been the best Hwt. in the country as a senior, in which case we’re talking about a class with two number one recruits. But in a project like this, you have to say, ‘prove it.’

#9 Virginia

Cav’s Coach Steve Garland brings in a nice combo of blue-chippers and solid prospects this year. Jon Fausey (PA) threw his name in the conversation as the nation’s #1 184lb prospect when he defeated Chris Perry in the Dapper Dan. Zach Clemente(149) was a Senior Nationals runner up after reaching the NYS finals three times and scoring medals in five Fargo events. Virginia also secured the talents of Bloomsburg transfer, Matt Snyder(125, PA) who proved he can wrestle at the DI level by posting a 19-9 record and placing at the Nittany Lion Open, the Southern Scuffle and other open tournaments as a redshirt last season. Former New Jersey runner-up and double Cadet finalist Jonathan Becker could pay dividends immediately at 197.

Adding depth for the future will be Nicky Gordon(141), a 3x National Prep runner-up of Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Seminary, and 4x Virginia state champion, 4x Beast placer, Andrew Williams(133). From the west, the Cavs grabbed Gabe Gomez(125, CO) who placed at the state tournament four times as well as the Ironman twice, and Missouri state champion, and Super32 runner-up, Stephen Doty(174).

Why They’re Here:
Clemente and Fausey are two top-flight recruits. Within the next season or so, these two, along with Becker, who there’s an immediate need for at 197, and Snyder, the Cavs seem to have gotten 40% of a quality line-up for the near future.

Why They’re Not Higher:
This is a class any school would love to have. In other years they may have been higher. This class just happen to fall in a year where a few of the top classes are inordinately big and with many stars.

#10 Oregon St.

Beav fans should be happy. Coach Zalesky, with a promising mix of high school prospects and transfers is bringing an excellent class to Corvallis. In-state wrestler RJ Pena, our #2 ranked 157lber in the Dirty Dozen, was a 4x Oregon large school champion, a 2x Reno champ and a Dapper Dan winner. California product Scott Sakaguchi(149) won his state tournament and lost just once (to Zach Clemente) at this year’s Senior Nationals. Jacob Lauderdale(125) a 4x Washington state finalist, will provide depth down low. And, Zalesky nabbed 3 other in-state champions: John Tuck (2x, 165), Taylor Johnson (184), and Caleb Cardwell (3x, 174).

As good as that class would be independently, Coach Zalesky seasoned it with a couple accomplished transfers. Two former Oregon prep wrestlers return to their home state after stints at other programs. Colby Covington(174) spent a year at Iowa and went on to win a JUCO national title. Ryan Smith, a former Sooner, was a national qualifier last season at 165.

Why They’re Here:
The addition of one of the best prep wrestlers in the country (Pena) and a high-quality kid CA state champ in Sakaguchi. They loaded up with capable in-state guys for depth and brought in transfers which should immediately bolster their line-up. It’s not everday a national qualifier lands in your lap.

Why They’re Not Higher:
While we give a great deal of credence to proven transfers, they do come with some drawbacks; namely, you only get them for part of their career. And while all of their numerous recruits are accomplished, it’s just Pena and Sakaguchi that have a national resume.

By: The Open Mat Editor – Willie Saylor

#11 The Ohio State

Coach Ryan continues to build a dynamo. This year’s class features the talent of Intermat’s #6 overall prospect, Collin Palmer (OH, 149), who won 4 big school state titles, and owns Ironman (2), Medina (4), Super 32, and Beast of the East crowns. At 133 Ian Paddock gives the Buckeyes another superb stud. The NY standout won 3 state titles (in 5 prep seasons), placed top 4 at NHSCA’s three times, and has 7 Fargo medals. Two other in-state kids move to Columbus: 174lber Nick Heflin, a Ohio D1 state champ with multiple Medina and Ironman placings, and Jake Vaughn (141).

Why They’re Here: 2.5 Horsepower with Vaughn for depth. Paddock and Palmer are about as close as you can get to sure things.

Why They’re not Higher: Numbers. I wish I could put them higher, but it’s a small group compared to what’s ahead of them.

#12 Wisconsin

We give a lot of love to Badger signee, Derrick Borlie(197), our Dirty Dozen #3 ranked wrestler. After a prep career that saw him win three Virginia state titles, he stuck a feather in his cap by winning Senior Nationals. Coach Davis also snagged our #4 174lber in Brendan Ard, a 2xer in Jersey’s single class tournament. Complementing the class is John Prezzia(141), a former PA state champ and Fargo winner, and in-state HWT champion, Cole Tobin. Kalvin York(WI, 149) placed all 4 years in the state tournament and has won Fargo GR titles as both a cadet and junior.

Why They’re Here: On the strength of Borlie and Ard. As a twosome we’d rank them just behind White and Dallago, but their future teammates make up some ground.

Why They’re Not Higher: Wisconsin is amongst the teams that have at least two stud recruits. The addition of their supplemental signees moves them up a bit, but not much. Prezzia’s major accomplishments came a couple season’s ago. York’s GR resume is outstanding, but he didn’t manage to win a state title in Wisconsin. If they get a lot of miles out of these guys, it will make a good class great.

#13 Illinois

Two? Two recruits begets a top 15 class? Yup. When they’re as solid as these two guys it does. Both are absolute studs from powerhouse programs. You can’t get much more efficient than that. Here’s a list of Massillon’s Sammie White’s finals appearances: Ohio big school finals (3x), Medina (3x), Walsh Ironman (2x), Fargo (2x), and King of the Mountain. First year head coach, Jim Heffernan, will also enjoy the benefits of Central Dauphin PA’s Tony Dallago. Our fourth ranked wrestler in the Dozen, Dallago was a 4x placer, 2x finalist in PA AAA. Other finals appearances include Beast of the East, Top Hat, and Powerade tournaments.

Why They’re Here: Efficiency. Two guys we feel will be mainstays in the line-up and win a lot of matches for the Illini. They’re the first class on the list, outside of maybe Lehigh, with two bona fide horses.

Why They’re Not Higher: Easy: Two guys! The classes above them have, maybe not two better guys, but two guys in their league and additional pieces.

#14 North Carolina State

Carter Jordan and the Wolfpack (should be a band, shouldn’t it?) secured perhaps the best heavyweight in the country with in-state legacy Eloheim Palma. (Brother, Jainor, was an ACC champion in 2007). All Eloheim did this year was win a state title (his third) a Dapper Dan match vs. PA state champion, Sean Owen, and NHSCA’s Senior Nationals. He wasn’t the only Wolfpack signee to win that tournament though. Colorado 3xer Dale Shull(125) did as well. Rounding out the class is state champion, Andrew Tumlin(197), who place all four years in the tough Ohio DI division.

Why They’re Here: The #1 Heavyweight in the country + two fine prospects. Tons of upside here.

Why They’re Not Higher: The class hinges on Dale Shull, who before his NHSCA title this spring, was relatively under the radar, nationally. If he proves his mettle, it could be revisited as a great haul.

#15 Wyoming

For the second time in as many seasons, Coach Mark Branch brings a top recruiting class to Laramie. Each of their 5 signees have state titles. From Washington, Kyle Komata won in 4A and Jim Belleville(149) won 4 state 2A titles along with a Fargo JR FS runner-up finish last year. Jake Eitzen(133) placed in Colorada each of his prep years and Patrick Martinez(157) won the ever-tough CA single class state title. In-state, the Cowboys wrangled up one of the top 125lbers in the country. Tyler Cox of Campbell County won four state titles and wrestled his way to finals appearances in two NHSCA class tournaments and the Super 32’s.

Why They’re Here: Proven commodity Tyler Cox and 2 wrestlers with the potential to be elite.

Why They’re Not Higher: Just 2 wrestlers with proven credentials national competition. The development of Patrick Martinez could, realistically, give this class 3 All-American threats.

By: The Open Mat Editor – Willie Saylor

#16 Stanford

The Cardinal class brings three nationally ranked recruits to Palo Alto. Ryan Mango was our Dirty Dozen #1 at 125. While he’s had some questionable losses in off-season folk events, he’s been on top of his game when it matters most. He’s won 3 Missouri state titles in folk, and his FS/GR resume is unparalleled; 2 Fila GR National Championships, double Junior National titles, double Cadet national titles and a 2007 Folkstyle National title. Iowa’s Bret Baumbach, a 3x state finalist projects at 141. Missouri 4xer, Kyle Meyer (157) rounds out the blue chip freshman. Former UCLA football player, Dylan Rush(HI) who was a 3x state champion and nationally ranked coming out of high school, will matriculate to Stanford as a HWT this fall.

#17 Lehigh

Coaches Santoro and Hughes each nab top flight recruits to work with. New York’s Austin Meys (184), our Dirty Dozen #2 ranked wrestler, won 3 state titles and has a Cadet National Freestyle title to his credit. Cumberalnd Valley, PA’s Joey Napoli(149), ranked as the nations #9 overall recruit by Intermat, was a two time state finalist and this years NHSCA’s Senior National champion. The Engineers also add New Jersey state runner-up, Dave Della Torre at 125 lbs.

#18 Virginia Tech

Other publications have Coach Kevin Dresser’s class ranked considerably higher. Their recruits, admittedly, do have a lot of hardware. But, like Central Michigan’s class which garnered numerous state champions, VT’s incomers are mostly unproven on the national level. We give them their due though; no other outlet has Andrew Clement (VA) ranked as high as we do (3rd). He’s won two state crowns and a Super 32 title. Texas product Eric Spjut (133) has won a Reno crown and 2 state titles. Brian Stephens (141), of famed St. Paris Graham (OH) won a state title as a senior this season. Other state champs moving to Blacksburg are Andrew Miller (VA, HWT), Taylor Knapp (GA, 157), and Cody Tyler (MO, 125).

#19 Boise State

Greg Randall continues a tradition of bringing quality recruits to Boise. In this class he picked up three quality guys, all ranked in our Dirty Dozen Prospects list. Brock Gutches (OR, 157), a 4x state finalist, should anchor the middle for years to come. Jake Swartz joins his brother, Kurt on the BSU roster. Jake (184) won 3 state titles in Washington. Coach Randal addressed the Broncos’ future need at heavyweight, signing Montana native and 2x state champ, Toby Erickson. All three recruits have a long list of accomplishments at Fargo.

#20 Missouri

The Headliner in Coach Smith’s 2009 class is Ohio standout Zach Toal (165) who can go with anyone in the country. A three-time state champion, Toal survived the grind of the Ironman to bring that crown home as well. The Tigers bring in four in-state guys. Bradley Wisdom (133), Kellen Bounous (165), and Luke Greco(141) own titles and Kyle Bradley (149) was top 3 all four years.

In the inaugural edition of TOM’s recruiting class rankings, we rank the top 25 teams, and several honorable mention squads, based on the incoming talent they’ve procured in this recruiting cycle. Not the first wrestling recruiting class rankings ever done, but we’re confident the system we have is the best. We incorporate transfers as we feel it’s logical to add them to the list of talent matriculating to college campus this fall. We value quality over quantity; in a sport with just ten starting spots, one stud is more often more promising than multiple projects. Furthermore the efficacy of the number of kids brought to campus in relation to their actual production is more greatly magnified in a sport with fewer scholarships than actual starters.

#21 Old Dominion
Coach Martin continues his annual gig of recruiting extraordinaire. This season he grabbed in-state heavyweight champion, Jack Burbank before reaching out to other states. The biggest prize is Monarch legacy John Nicholson (157), who upset then #1 Derek St. John in the Iowa state tournament. Justin Lavalle (MN, 133) carried 2 state titles and several Fargo medals and Joey Sheridan (174) won two Oklahoma crowns. Also on board is New Jersey runner-up, Eric Dunnet(125).

#22 Purdue
The Boilermakers will welcome three in-state champs to their squad: Camden Eppert(125) and Cashe Quiroga(133), who turned in fine performances at Junior Freestyle Duals, along with Steve Sanderfer(149). Another in-stater, Willy Mascaro(141) placed twice in Indiana’s single class tournament. Depth will be added to the big uglies, as former state runner-ups, Adam Walls(OH) and Alex White(IN) battle for heavyweight time. The gem of this class, however, came late in the recruiting season when head coach Scott Hinkel wrangled in Kendrick Sanders, who, among other titles, captured Junior Greco-Roman titles the last two years in Fargo. Sanders(157) is a 3x Florida state champion.

#23 Indiana
We expect big things from Coach Goldman’s ’09 class. First and foremost, Max Ortega, a New Mexico product who won 4 state titles and was a 3x finalist of NHSCA’s national class tournament, is the Hoosier’s future at 149. Ryan LeBlanc (165) won two NYS titles while Tanner Kriss (197) was crowned three times in Kansas. To supplement these standouts are in-state 4x placer Justin Brooks (125) and GA 2xer, Anthony Fretwell.

#24 Columbia
The Ivy League Lions come in at #21 after Coach Buckley’s impressive haul landed several solid recruits. Robert Dyar(AL, 125) was a double All-American last year in Fargo. Coach Buckley also reach out to two CA talents, Stephen West(174) of powerhouse Clovis was a runner-up while Tyler Sheridan(149) recently place 3rd in Fila Greco. PA’s Jake O’Hara(149) is a three time state placer while his neighbor in New Jersey, and fellow middle weight, Steve Santos(157) saw finals appearances twice in New Jersey’s tough one-class system. At heavyweight, Coach Buckley brings in Blair post-grad Chris Manna.

#25 Bucknell
Dan Wirnsberger brings in 3 guys that should be prominent members of the Bison in the near future. Corey Lear (165) was a PA state champion and fellow Keystoner, Joe McMullen (197), of Wyoming Seminary won two crowns and placed top 3 each of his 4 years at National Preps. Wirnsy also plucked state champion Zack Hancock (141) from Ohio.

Honorable Mention Teams/Notable Recruits
Rutgers: Vinny Dellefava, Cullen Isenberg, Dan Seidenberg, Alex Pagnotta, Carl Bucholz, Braden Turner (PG)

Iowa State: Trent Weatherman, Boaz Beard

Michigan State: Mike McClure, Josh Harper, Dan Osterman

Pittsburgh: Dane Johnson, Anthony Zanetta, PJ Tasser

Harvard: Steven Keith, Paul Ligouri, Tony Buxton, Adam Hogue

Navy: Shane Gentry, Ray Borja, Bobby Barnhisel, Mason Bailey, James Mannier

Central Michigan: Craig Kelliher, Adam Miller, Joe Roth, Scot Mattingly, Cameron
Amaties, Taylor March, Zach Aylor, Jacob Jeske, Dillon Kern, Jeff Beebe, Justin Zimmerman

Maryland: Bryan Osorio, Justin Cash, Jimmy Sheptock, Steven Gamble, Tyler Snook, Dallas Brown

Cal Poly: Brit Longmire, Brandon Rocha, Grant Haschak, Ian Daube, Jake Des Roches, Pearce Swerdfeger

By: TOM Editor, Willie Saylor – contact him at willie@theopenmat.com