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Nelson Brands to Iowa

Just a paranoid Hawk fan here Spooner. Nothing more, nothing less. Truly feel he's the final piece to multiple title run

There is a poster on the PSU board who is trying to start a rumor that he isn't a solid committ. He is a known idiot though and often says several stupid comments just for attention.
 
Fun fact:

Another guy who didn't start wrestling until 7th grade, and whose father never really even talked to him about the sport, Reece Humphrey.
 
People under estimate how big a factor it can be to have a later start. Kids now a days have 1,000 matches before entering high school and have been exposed to high level coaching. This is why we are seeing so many Freshmen who can compete right away. However, it also means that many recruits do not have a ton of room for growth and improvement. The best recent examples I can think of are Alton's, who Coach Smith at OSU made the infamous statement about not recruiting because there was no room for improvment, they were finish products. They were elite recruits, and if not for injuries perhaps that statement would have been very silly, but he looks good now. Now of course Coach Smith also recruit Marstellar, so clearly it is not an exact science.

A couple examples of kids that started late in Junior High or in High School that were not ranked very high as recruits as they just won 1 State Title and didn't have all the national accolades, both from Ohio, Ty Walz and Nick Heflin. Both turned into great College wrestlers, multiple time AA's and Runner up finishes and Walz still has another Tournament left. I am sure there are quite a few more examples, but these were just two very recent examples. They still had a lot of room for growth and improvement.

With Nelson not starting until Junior High, you have to believe he has a significant amount of growth left in him. I love recruits like that. Burn out is very real. It seems that Terry was very smart in how he introduced his son to wrestling. It will be interesting to follow his development.
 
People under estimate how big a factor it can be to have a later start. Kids now a days have 1,000 matches before entering high school and have been exposed to high level coaching. This is why we are seeing so many Freshmen who can compete right away. However, it also means that many recruits do not have a ton of room for growth and improvement. The best recent examples I can think of are Alton's, who Coach Smith at OSU made the infamous statement about not recruiting because there was no room for improvment, they were finish products. They were elite recruits, and if not for injuries perhaps that statement would have been very silly, but he looks good now. Now of course Coach Smith also recruit Marstellar, so clearly it is not an exact science.

A couple examples of kids that started late in Junior High or in High School that were not ranked very high as recruits as they just won 1 State Title and didn't have all the national accolades, both from Ohio, Ty Walz and Nick Heflin. Both turned into great College wrestlers, multiple time AA's and Runner up finishes and Walz still has another Tournament left. I am sure there are quite a few more examples, but these were just two very recent examples. They still had a lot of room for growth and improvement.

With Nelson not starting until Junior High, you have to believe he has a significant amount of growth left in him. I love recruits like that. Burn out is very real. It seems that Terry was very smart in how he introduced his son to wrestling. It will be interesting to follow his development.

I think a lot of kids had success post high school back in the day because they focused just on wrestling instead of multiple sports. Now, they specialize and go to all of these off season tourneys. If they are good, their name gets out more easily than it used to via Flo and other online pubs. I think the best example of the all around guy making good out of no where would be Gabe Dean. Comes in and beats Ruth in his freshman year and finishes third. Has then reeled off two titles and maybe a third here in the future. Plus, he seems to have jumped levels this year. The Dean's are more rare now because a guy's record and who he has beaten is just a click away. Maybe even some video.
 
Over/Under 600 TDs next year?


I'll take the over.

I think next year he needs to improve on setting up shots. A super high motor and average shots can get you wins. But his shots will need to improve. Setting up shots is huge and a lot of college guys struggle with it. The guys that score a lot of points are the ones that are moving and setting shots up.
 
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I think next year he needs to improve on setting up shots. A super high motor and average shots can get you wins. But his shots will need to improve. Setting up shots is huge and a lot of college guys struggle with it. The guys that score a lot of points are the ones that are moving and setting shots up.


I hope that wrestling isn't turning into take-down clinics, if that's the case they need to raise it to 20 points. Pins are worth 6 for a reason. Before we know it it will become freestyle
 
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What's the matter with you? He wasn't sufficiently articulate minutes after wrestling his semi final match for your high-brow tastes? Nice shot at a high school kid. Very classy.
Anyone who's listened to Nelson at any length realizes he's a bright, well-spoken kid. It's amazing how far some people will reach to criticize others. It's never a wise thing to do, but my goodness -- it should at least be based in some semblance of reality.
 
I hope that wrestling isn't turning into take-down clinics, if that's the case they need to raise it to 20 points. Pins are worth 6 for a reason. Before we know it it will become freestyle
To each their own. I just don't get why people would be upset with a "Takedown Clinic" or say they should just pin the guy if they outmatch them that much. If you were overmatched that much would you rather be taken down 15 times or have a guy like Rutherford get on top and rip out every fiber in your shoulder with a half to get a pin? I mean both are pretty embarrassing.

Frankly this is something we have been lacking at Iowa in recent years. A sense of urgency in neutral and a willingness to get back on our feet and build a lead with takedowns when you do outmatch the guy on your feet. We have been doing a better job of this last year or so. Watch Nolf right now. He really doesn't work too much from top. He wrestles a pace that people can't keep up with and pins guys from transitions from takedowns. See Ironside, The Brands, Metcalf... For guys that are not freaks on top this is one of the best recipes for pinning non fish college opponents.
 
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Well there always has to be an ass in the group so allow me to be that.

If this kid's last name wasn't Brands, we would probably be flipping out right now. Let's face it, there are plenty of Iowa kids that have two state titles behind their names. Last time I checked, he wasn't snapping necks and cashing checks at Fargo and other large tournaments. Not ranked high P4P, the list can go on a bit.

Don't get me wrong, he has some upside. But, he's not the "elite" type of kid that we Hawkeye fans have been hoping for lately. The ones that are needed to surpass our out East enemy.

Do you think we actually offered a scholarship?


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Welcome aboard Nelson Brands! This is all upside and no downside that I can see. Nobody in their right mind is expecting multiple national titles from the kid at this stage, but it could happen, so enjoy the ride and let the chips fall where they may. Enjoy your extended time in Iowa City young man.

GO HAWKS!
 
Welcome aboard Nelson Brands! This is all upside and no downside that I can see. Nobody in their right mind is expecting multiple national titles from the kid at this stage, but it could happen, so enjoy the ride and let the chips fall where they may. Enjoy your extended time in Iowa City young man.

GO HAWKS!

This is it right here. Huge potential reward with little to no risk. The absolute best kind of bet to make. I love when high profile Coach's kid or relatives are wrestling. It adds another dimension of intrigue for me. I am still upset Coach Jim Heffernan did not recruit his nephew Collin, son of Iowa AA John Heffernan, to Illinois. Collin is now ranked 10th at 157, wrestling for Central Michigan and has been ahead Langenderfer all year, and beat him Head to Head at Midlands.

No one will regret Nelson as a recruit, where as if he would have gone somewhere else, there is a good chance people would regret not recruiting him. Just my opinion.
 
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First and foremost- congrats to Nelson for his commitment to the Hawks! Obviously, kinda a forgone conclusion. And, not to rock the boat- but - seriously, if his last name wasn't Brands- we wouldn't have this thread....let alone recruit him. Where is he at PFP in his class?? Where is he PFP at his weight in his class?? Where is he at PFP in Iowa?? Excited to see where he'll finish at Fago this year- and should win it in 2018! We've recruited way more decorated Iowa wrestlers- way better accolades- never this fuss.

There have been so many people talk about his motor, upside, grit, determination, dedication, sacrifice, improvement, ceiling - Pedeigree??? Is Nelson a Dog? A Horse? Seriously, Pedeigree??? Someone said - thank goodness Dan Gable didn't have sons, because of Pedigree???? Seriously... Dan had four girls- Why weren't any of his girls wrestlers??
According to Pedigree....... All Four of them should have been Olympic Gold Medilists. Quit saying Nelson has "Pedigree".

Who among you can tell us.... Why didn't Tom Brands wrestle in the State Tournament his senior year??
 
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First and foremost- congrats to Nelson for his commitment to the Hawks! Obviously, kinda a forgone conclusion. And, not to rock the boat- but - seriously, if his last name wasn't Brands- we wouldn't have this thread....let alone recruit him. Where is he at PFP in his class?? Where is he PFP at his weight in his class?? Where is he at PFP in Iowa?? Excited to see where he'll finish at Fago this year- and should win it in 2018! We've recruited way more decorated Iowa wrestlers- way better accolades- never this fuss.

There have been so many people talk about his motor, upside, grit, determination, dedication, sacrifice, improvement, ceiling - Pedeigree??? Is Nelson a Dog? A Horse? Seriously, Pedeigree??? Someone said - thank goodness Dan Gable didn't have sons, because of Pedigree???? Seriously... Dan had four girls- Why weren't any of his girls wrestlers??
According to Pedigree....... All Four of them should have been Olympic Gold Medilists. Quit saying Nelson has "Pedigree".

Who among you can tell us.... Why didn't Tom Brands wrestle in the State Tournament his senior year??
What a strange post.

Certainly Nelson hasn't placed himself among the elite level recruits that get fans most excited...yet. But his name is more than just a name: it implies an upbringing that includes a unusual level of determination and aggressiveness that many other athletes haven't had. And that counts for something, such as the serious improvement slope he's been on. I saw him early his freshman year and wasn't sure he'd be able to crack the varsity line-up. Ever. Now look what he's done.

"Pedigree" IS a silly word in this case, but I'm thinking that genetics can play a role in a person's demeanor and attitudes just as it does in their physical attributes. I don't think using the word "pedigree" is really that far afield.

And, yes, I can tell you why Tom Brands didn't wrestle at the tournament.
 
What a strange post.

Certainly Nelson hasn't placed himself among the elite level recruits that get fans most excited...yet. But his name is more than just a name: it implies an upbringing that includes a unusual level of determination and aggressiveness that many other athletes haven't had. And that counts for something, such as the serious improvement slope he's been on. I saw him early his freshman year and wasn't sure he'd be able to crack the varsity line-up. Ever. Now look what he's done.

"Pedigree" IS a silly word in this case, but I'm thinking that genetics can play a role in a person's demeanor and attitudes just as it does in their physical attributes. I don't think using the word "pedigree" is really that far afield.

And, yes, I can tell you why Tom Brands didn't wrestle at the tournament.

Obvious troll was obvious. Pure idiocy from the "we wouldn't recruit him" right up to dredging up something his uncle did or didn't do 30+ years ago.
 
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First and foremost- congrats to Nelson for his commitment to the Hawks! Obviously, kinda a forgone conclusion. And, not to rock the boat- but - seriously, if his last name wasn't Brands- we wouldn't have this thread....let alone recruit him. Where is he at PFP in his class?? Where is he PFP at his weight in his class?? Where is he at PFP in Iowa?? Excited to see where he'll finish at Fago this year- and should win it in 2018! We've recruited way more decorated Iowa wrestlers- way better accolades- never this fuss.

There have been so many people talk about his motor, upside, grit, determination, dedication, sacrifice, improvement, ceiling - Pedeigree??? Is Nelson a Dog? A Horse? Seriously, Pedeigree??? Someone said - thank goodness Dan Gable didn't have sons, because of Pedigree???? Seriously... Dan had four girls- Why weren't any of his girls wrestlers??
According to Pedigree....... All Four of them should have been Olympic Gold Medilists. Quit saying Nelson has "Pedigree".

Who among you can tell us.... Why didn't Tom Brands wrestle in the State Tournament his senior year??
Flo #19 at 152, not ranked by Intermat. Didn't start wrestling until 6th grade so still has a lot of room to grow and experience to gain.
 
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First and foremost- congrats to Nelson for his commitment to the Hawks! Obviously, kinda a forgone conclusion. And, not to rock the boat- but - seriously, if his last name wasn't Brands- we wouldn't have this thread....let alone recruit him. Where is he at PFP in his class?? Where is he PFP at his weight in his class?? Where is he at PFP in Iowa?? Excited to see where he'll finish at Fago this year- and should win it in 2018! We've recruited way more decorated Iowa wrestlers- way better accolades- never this fuss.

There have been so many people talk about his motor, upside, grit, determination, dedication, sacrifice, improvement, ceiling - Pedeigree??? Is Nelson a Dog? A Horse? Seriously, Pedeigree??? Someone said - thank goodness Dan Gable didn't have sons, because of Pedigree???? Seriously... Dan had four girls- Why weren't any of his girls wrestlers??
According to Pedigree....... All Four of them should have been Olympic Gold Medilists. Quit saying Nelson has "Pedigree".

Who among you can tell us.... Why didn't Tom Brands wrestle in the State Tournament his senior year??
Dan's daughter's EXCELLED in other sports...would you call that pedegree/environment?
 
Did not qualify for state.
State champion.
Fargo AA.
2nd State title.
???Fargo AA both styles???
???3rd State title???
???Fargo???

Sounds like a kid who is progressing. There are kids with worse credentials in the room. Why piss on the kid. Other less heralded wrestlers have had long threads on here. I think Nelson might light it up some day (the score board not like this years Hodge winner).
 
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Bring on all the haters. It won't bother Nelson one bit and that's all that matters.
 
I chose him as my favorite wrestler to cover during the tournament. In every match he was just fun to watch. Obviously he has plenty of room for growth but I truly enjoyed his entertaining and aggressive style. Very happy he is going to be a Hawk! He has enormous upside as well.
 
What a strange post.

Certainly Nelson hasn't placed himself among the elite level recruits that get fans most excited...yet. But his name is more than just a name: it implies an upbringing that includes a unusual level of determination and aggressiveness that many other athletes haven't had. And that counts for something, such as the serious improvement slope he's been on. I saw him early his freshman year and wasn't sure he'd be able to crack the varsity line-up. Ever. Now look what he's done.

"Pedigree" IS a silly word in this case, but I'm thinking that genetics can play a role in a person's demeanor and attitudes just as it does in their physical attributes. I don't think using the word "pedigree" is really that far afield.

And, yes, I can tell you why Tom Brands didn't wrestle at the tournament.

Didn't he win Aau state in 8th grade?
 
First and foremost- congrats to Nelson for his commitment to the Hawks! Obviously, kinda a forgone conclusion. And, not to rock the boat- but - seriously, if his last name wasn't Brands- we wouldn't have this thread....let alone recruit him. Where is he at PFP in his class?? Where is he PFP at his weight in his class?? Where is he at PFP in Iowa?? Excited to see where he'll finish at Fago this year- and should win it in 2018! We've recruited way more decorated Iowa wrestlers- way better accolades- never this fuss.

Let's see...A potential three timer who has a motor that doesn't quit and and 454 TDs prior to state (Uncle Tom had less than 200 in 1986)....200 more than any other kid in the state this season. His only loss was to the third ranked guy in the nation by two points. You're saying he wouldn't get recruited by Iowa?

There have been so many people talk about his motor, upside, grit, determination, dedication, sacrifice, improvement, ceiling - Pedeigree??? Is Nelson a Dog? A Horse? Seriously, Pedeigree??? Someone said - thank goodness Dan Gable didn't have sons, because of Pedigree???? Seriously... Dan had four girls- Why weren't any of his girls wrestlers??
According to Pedigree....... All Four of them should have been Olympic Gold Medilists. Quit saying Nelson has "Pedigree".

Obviously, no sons of former wrestlers or athletes have done any good. Payton Manning's Dad was a bum, Stephen Curry's Dad drove a bread truck, and we all know how Ken Griffey Jr turned out. These are just to name a few. Remind me...what sport did Happel's Dad do in college? How good are his kids? So far, 5/5 in state tourneys but I'm sure pedigree had nothing to do with it. Nelson is the spitting image of his Dad and Uncle out on the mat...however, he'll likely graduate with more accolades than them...since you are so concerned with them.
 
Sorry gang! I work swing shift- up when many of you arn't. That's when I'm Getting caught up. So many things I want to weigh in on, get old quick.

Nelson is going to be an Amazing addition to the room! We all know
Nelson is going to win his Third State title.! Awesome...... Done deal,,,,, 900+ takedowns next year- not sure if it warrents a 3 page discussion on his takedowns. Can't wait to see him at Fargo!! Let's get a Stop Sign!

Tom Brands didn't wrestle his Senior Year in High School State Tournament- does anybody know why he didn't??
 
Let's see...A potential three timer who has a motor that doesn't quit and and 454 TDs prior to state (Uncle Tom had less than 200 in 1986)....200 more than any other kid in the state this season. His only loss was to the third ranked guy in the nation by two points. You're saying he wouldn't get recruited by Iowa?



Obviously, no sons of former wrestlers or athletes have done any good. Payton Manning's Dad was a bum, Stephen Curry's Dad drove a bread truck, and we all know how Ken Griffey Jr turned out. These are just to name a few. Remind me...what sport did Happel's Dad do in college? How good are his kids? So far, 5/5 in state tourneys but I'm sure pedigree had nothing to do with it. Nelson is the spitting image of his Dad and Uncle out on the mat...however, he'll likely graduate with more accolades than them...since you are so concerned with them.

You fed the troll like few have before.
 
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Re: Tom
Sorry gang! I work swing shift- up when many of you arn't. That's when I'm Getting caught up. So many things I want to weigh in on, get old quick.

Nelson is going to be an Amazing addition to the room! We all know
Nelson is going to win his Third State title.! Awesome...... Done deal,,,,, 900+ takedowns next year- not sure if it warrents a 3 page discussion on his takedowns. Can't wait to see him at Fargo!! Let's get a Stop Sign!

Tom Brands didn't wrestle his Senior Year in High School State Tournament- does anybody know why he didn't??
I think he was suspended from athletics by his school for violation of school rules. This is from memory...so if I'm wrong, sorry
 
First and foremost- congrats to Nelson for his commitment to the Hawks! Obviously, kinda a forgone conclusion. And, not to rock the boat- but - seriously, if his last name wasn't Brands- we wouldn't have this thread....let alone recruit him. Where is he at PFP in his class?? Where is he PFP at his weight in his class?? Where is he at PFP in Iowa?? Excited to see where he'll finish at Fago this year- and should win it in 2018! We've recruited way more decorated Iowa wrestlers- way better accolades- never this fuss.

There have been so many people talk about his motor, upside, grit, determination, dedication, sacrifice, improvement, ceiling - Pedeigree??? Is Nelson a Dog? A Horse? Seriously, Pedeigree??? Someone said - thank goodness Dan Gable didn't have sons, because of Pedigree???? Seriously... Dan had four girls- Why weren't any of his girls wrestlers??
According to Pedigree....... All Four of them should have been Olympic Gold Medilists. Quit saying Nelson has "Pedigree".

Who among you can tell us.... Why didn't Tom Brands wrestle in the State Tournament his senior year??
First off ... Pedigree, pedigree, pedigree, pedigree. Gables daughters not wrestling is your argument. Maybe Tom's son would be a better argument. We know more about Nelson because of his dad. So, there is this thing called genetics, you get half from each parent. It would seem that Nelson got Terry's genetics associated with wrestling. Seems to have his work ethic as well, oh darn. We can be excited about these things. We shouldn't hold him to the same standard as his father. Quite sure his goals are to exceed his father and maybe the bronze medal he has that his father won will turn to gold one day for him. Time will tell.

As a junior a two time high school champ, we have never recruited anyone that has done less than that before. How he does at Fargo will be interesting. These things are not the end all, be all.
 
Amen! His motor is incredible. He just doesn't stop. I think the sky is the limit for Nelson. I really do. Welcome aboard!
Motor is impressive. He did seem a lot bigger than his competition, like he must be dropping a lot. You can improve technique. It's harder to change a kid's motor. Even if he wasn't a Brands, I'd take a 2 time (maybe 3) 3A Iowa state champ with a high motor anytime. His motor reminds me of a college Ironside.
 
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I liked how he cut Lara when they were tied with under a minute left (I think). Knowingly goes down a point, with not a lot of time, because he just knew he'd get the td. That's confidence
 
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