I don’t like doing grades because that’s so subjective, but wrestling the top team in the country can give us an indication on where Iowa’s lineup stands as of right now. Suffice it to say that it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll. Iowa is battling for second, that should go without saying. Now, here are my thoughts on each individual wrestler.
125: I’ve been pleasantly surprised with Joey Cruz he’s aggressive and looks for his offense. I think he’s small for the weight but he makes up for that with decent scrambling ability. I think he qualifies but he’ll need a good draw and a few upsets to reach a r12 finish.
133: Drake has looked good this year aside from the early loss. He is who we thought he was, even up a weight. He’s a title contender. I could see him finishing anywhere from 1-4.
141: uhhh where to start. I think block is pulling to much weight and I believe watching his body language that his performances are affecting his mental game. At this point I’d be happy with him qualifying. Maybe we see him at 149 and he looks better next year. I’m trying to stay positive for you Ryder.
149: Man parco looked good for 4 mins tonight. Got caught in a bad position and he paid the price. He and Van Ness wrestled a high level high action match. Keeping that pace for 7 mins is tough, and I think he did get a little tired. I think he could win a rematch but right now I think he finishes the year in the 2-4 spots on the podium.
157: 1 wrestler looked to be in mid season form the other looked like he was just coming back from a lengthy injury. I have every confidence Jacobi can win at bigs and nationals. His ok st match might be a good indication of what we can expect. I predict a 1-3 podium finish, if I had to bet I’d pick him 1.
165: Did MM break Caliendo. I never thought I’d type that but I think he did. MM is #1 and I don’t think the rest of the field is close. Caliendo prediction 2-4.
174: what to say about PK. I love his work ethic, I love everything he says I just think he might be limited athletically. He reminds me of a max Murin. I can see him anywhere from 6-r12. I will always root for this kinda kid.
184: Gabe is the right call here though I’m not sure he’s the better wrestler at this weigh this year. I think Gabe is athletic and strong as hell. He’s incredibly tough to score on but I think his height limits his offensive ability at 184. I still think he’s an all American. I’d put him him around 5th right now. His match against ok st might give us a good indication on where he finishes.
197: Buch looks like an NCAA champion. He’s in control at all times and can be explosive in his offense. I think he wins it all this year.
285: or should I say 235.5. I like BK and I think he competes for a title at some point, maybe next year. He’s not on the same level right now as the top three. He’s a clear tier below currently. I do think he’s an all American. I’ll predict 6th.
Humbling loss tonight against Penn St. I think we knew it was coming but it’s tough to take a 30-8 smack down on the chin. With that said I’m gonna shut up and go to bed. Peace out Hawk Fans.
125: I’ve been pleasantly surprised with Joey Cruz he’s aggressive and looks for his offense. I think he’s small for the weight but he makes up for that with decent scrambling ability. I think he qualifies but he’ll need a good draw and a few upsets to reach a r12 finish.
133: Drake has looked good this year aside from the early loss. He is who we thought he was, even up a weight. He’s a title contender. I could see him finishing anywhere from 1-4.
141: uhhh where to start. I think block is pulling to much weight and I believe watching his body language that his performances are affecting his mental game. At this point I’d be happy with him qualifying. Maybe we see him at 149 and he looks better next year. I’m trying to stay positive for you Ryder.
149: Man parco looked good for 4 mins tonight. Got caught in a bad position and he paid the price. He and Van Ness wrestled a high level high action match. Keeping that pace for 7 mins is tough, and I think he did get a little tired. I think he could win a rematch but right now I think he finishes the year in the 2-4 spots on the podium.
157: 1 wrestler looked to be in mid season form the other looked like he was just coming back from a lengthy injury. I have every confidence Jacobi can win at bigs and nationals. His ok st match might be a good indication of what we can expect. I predict a 1-3 podium finish, if I had to bet I’d pick him 1.
165: Did MM break Caliendo. I never thought I’d type that but I think he did. MM is #1 and I don’t think the rest of the field is close. Caliendo prediction 2-4.
174: what to say about PK. I love his work ethic, I love everything he says I just think he might be limited athletically. He reminds me of a max Murin. I can see him anywhere from 6-r12. I will always root for this kinda kid.
184: Gabe is the right call here though I’m not sure he’s the better wrestler at this weigh this year. I think Gabe is athletic and strong as hell. He’s incredibly tough to score on but I think his height limits his offensive ability at 184. I still think he’s an all American. I’d put him him around 5th right now. His match against ok st might give us a good indication on where he finishes.
197: Buch looks like an NCAA champion. He’s in control at all times and can be explosive in his offense. I think he wins it all this year.
285: or should I say 235.5. I like BK and I think he competes for a title at some point, maybe next year. He’s not on the same level right now as the top three. He’s a clear tier below currently. I do think he’s an all American. I’ll predict 6th.
Humbling loss tonight against Penn St. I think we knew it was coming but it’s tough to take a 30-8 smack down on the chin. With that said I’m gonna shut up and go to bed. Peace out Hawk Fans.
