Due to my seemingly once a month bout with insomnia, I have the next 3 weights done a little earlier than planned. Again, JMO. Some knowledge, lots of conjecture and looking for good discussion.
157/165
I have grouped these two weights together, because it is solely dependent on where Nolf ends up and the same cast of wrestlers will be fighting for the other spot. IMO, the best case scenario for the team is below, but this may not be what is best for Jason and he will dictate the lineup.
157 Starter: Vincenzo Joseph-rsFR. I know there have been posts on here about Cenzo missing weight twice this season at 157 and how he may be a 165 or above in the future, but the reality of a redshirt season is that weight control is low on the list of priorities. Joseph is no dummy and obviously had no desire to sit behind Zain (2 years) and Jason (3 years), so putting on good weight makes sense. If Nolf is at 165, Cenzo is going to be at 157 or he is not serious about being a PSU wrestler. Look, Brody Grothus made 141, as long as Nolf doesn't hit a growth spurt two weeks before the season starts Joseph will be fine – it's not like he is 6'. When last seen wrestling, Cenzo is dynamic in neutral and as much as I think Mike Kemerer is a fine wrestler, I would put my money on Joseph getting an AA before Kemerer grabs the AA that the HR has him penciled in at provided the right things are going on with Cenzo and they are both at 57. Problem with that is “when last seen wrestling.” The Messiah Open doesn't count. With fingers crossed, I will trust that he is progressing as he should in the PSU room and if so, he should clearly be the other starter besides Nolf. If not, we have other options. At 165, I am not quite as enthusiastic about Cenzo as longer and stronger guys could be problematic, but he will still be someone to be reckoned with.
165 Starter: Jason Nolf-rsSO. Nolf is a title contender at either weight. I would have no issues with him going up, he is a deceptively strong wrestler and if his body is taking him to 165 he will be just as good there. Not a lot to be said, he is the real deal. Captain Obvious, I know.
Backups: Geno Morelli-rsSR, Garrett Hammond-rsJR, Francisco Bisono-rsFR. Again, an embarrasment of riches here as Morelli was a split second away from the quarters at Nationals and could end up a backup. One more year in the room away from the dumpster fire he left and who knows. Hammond would also be a viable option, but some concern this year as after a starting position was not in the cards, I'm not sure that Garrett was quite as motivated, but I could be off base there. Either way, Morelli and Hammond are starting options and very good ones at that should Joseph falter. Two NCAA qualifiers could be on the bench.
2018 and beyond/Recruiting: I see the same situation for 2017/18 minus Morelli. Manville will join the team most likely as a 2017 recruit and redshirt. I am not in the camp that is down on Mason, he made some great improvement in his year at Seminary and, most importantly, has the right mental makeup to succeed at PSU. He is going to AA multiple times here. Tons of eligibility at these weight so little need to allocate more money here for a couple of years unless things change.
One caveat. Should there be an issue with Joseph and Nolf is staying at 157 next year, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Hall ends up on campus and is the starting 165 next year. But I would not consider that probable at this point in time.
174
Starter: Bo Nickal-rsSO. Bo will make the move to 184, but I think he stays put for next year. A title contender, if not favorite, with his biggest threat most likely coming from the tOSU entry. He's only going to get better.
Backups: Brian Brill-rsJR, Caleb Livingston-rsJR. Brill obviously has a lot of talent and perhaps we will see him throw his hat in the ring at 184. If he had a shot to start it could perhaps throw a switch with him and he is a great insurance policy to have. Livingston is a great guy to have on the team as evidenced by his wrestling at 285 for the squad this year.
2018 and beyond/Recruiting: Mark Hall here in 2017/18 as a 2017 recruit. And beyond. Again, no obvious recruiting need here for a few years because of all the talent we have. We have had a finalist here 4 out of the past 5 years (5th the other year and 3rd from Ruth back in 2011) and our dominance at this weight will continue. Again, no recruiting need for a few years barring the unforeseen.
157/165
I have grouped these two weights together, because it is solely dependent on where Nolf ends up and the same cast of wrestlers will be fighting for the other spot. IMO, the best case scenario for the team is below, but this may not be what is best for Jason and he will dictate the lineup.
157 Starter: Vincenzo Joseph-rsFR. I know there have been posts on here about Cenzo missing weight twice this season at 157 and how he may be a 165 or above in the future, but the reality of a redshirt season is that weight control is low on the list of priorities. Joseph is no dummy and obviously had no desire to sit behind Zain (2 years) and Jason (3 years), so putting on good weight makes sense. If Nolf is at 165, Cenzo is going to be at 157 or he is not serious about being a PSU wrestler. Look, Brody Grothus made 141, as long as Nolf doesn't hit a growth spurt two weeks before the season starts Joseph will be fine – it's not like he is 6'. When last seen wrestling, Cenzo is dynamic in neutral and as much as I think Mike Kemerer is a fine wrestler, I would put my money on Joseph getting an AA before Kemerer grabs the AA that the HR has him penciled in at provided the right things are going on with Cenzo and they are both at 57. Problem with that is “when last seen wrestling.” The Messiah Open doesn't count. With fingers crossed, I will trust that he is progressing as he should in the PSU room and if so, he should clearly be the other starter besides Nolf. If not, we have other options. At 165, I am not quite as enthusiastic about Cenzo as longer and stronger guys could be problematic, but he will still be someone to be reckoned with.
165 Starter: Jason Nolf-rsSO. Nolf is a title contender at either weight. I would have no issues with him going up, he is a deceptively strong wrestler and if his body is taking him to 165 he will be just as good there. Not a lot to be said, he is the real deal. Captain Obvious, I know.
Backups: Geno Morelli-rsSR, Garrett Hammond-rsJR, Francisco Bisono-rsFR. Again, an embarrasment of riches here as Morelli was a split second away from the quarters at Nationals and could end up a backup. One more year in the room away from the dumpster fire he left and who knows. Hammond would also be a viable option, but some concern this year as after a starting position was not in the cards, I'm not sure that Garrett was quite as motivated, but I could be off base there. Either way, Morelli and Hammond are starting options and very good ones at that should Joseph falter. Two NCAA qualifiers could be on the bench.
2018 and beyond/Recruiting: I see the same situation for 2017/18 minus Morelli. Manville will join the team most likely as a 2017 recruit and redshirt. I am not in the camp that is down on Mason, he made some great improvement in his year at Seminary and, most importantly, has the right mental makeup to succeed at PSU. He is going to AA multiple times here. Tons of eligibility at these weight so little need to allocate more money here for a couple of years unless things change.
One caveat. Should there be an issue with Joseph and Nolf is staying at 157 next year, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Hall ends up on campus and is the starting 165 next year. But I would not consider that probable at this point in time.
174
Starter: Bo Nickal-rsSO. Bo will make the move to 184, but I think he stays put for next year. A title contender, if not favorite, with his biggest threat most likely coming from the tOSU entry. He's only going to get better.
Backups: Brian Brill-rsJR, Caleb Livingston-rsJR. Brill obviously has a lot of talent and perhaps we will see him throw his hat in the ring at 184. If he had a shot to start it could perhaps throw a switch with him and he is a great insurance policy to have. Livingston is a great guy to have on the team as evidenced by his wrestling at 285 for the squad this year.
2018 and beyond/Recruiting: Mark Hall here in 2017/18 as a 2017 recruit. And beyond. Again, no obvious recruiting need here for a few years because of all the talent we have. We have had a finalist here 4 out of the past 5 years (5th the other year and 3rd from Ruth back in 2011) and our dominance at this weight will continue. Again, no recruiting need for a few years barring the unforeseen.
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