Recruiting Class of 2014 vs class of 2018

[Ezcheez]

obviously 2014 has to be our best overall recruiting class ever, spawning The 3 N’s (Nolf, Nickal, Nevills and Rasheed.

When it’s all said and done will the class of 2018 have a similar impact?

Teske, Teasdale, Beard, younger Nevills and Joe Lee.

 

[Flying_Tiger]

Cassar was part of the 2014 class as well.

 

[98lberEating2Lunches]

One can only trust that the hex, "Just wait until Taylor and Ruth graduate," sustains its mystical powers for the class of 2018.

Like Cael preaches, each season is a new beginning with a new team and new challenges. There'll be no value in comparisons to the past when competing for a 2020 NCAA championship.

 

[psudotedu]

obviously 2014 has to be our best overall recruiting class ever, spawning The 3 N’s (Nolf, Nickal, Nevills and Rasheed.

When it’s all said and done will the class of 2018 have a similar impact?

Teske, Teasdale, Beard, younger Nevills and Joe Lee.

How did you leave Aaron Brooks off the list?

 

[dunkej01]

seems like we need some crack flo research to see if this class is the most decorated class of ever.

 

[NoVa Lion]

How did you leave Aaron Brooks off the list?

And RBY.

 

[GogglesPaizano]

seems like we need some crack flo research to see if this class is the most decorated class of ever.

What if.... come March Shak and Cassar shock the world? Both are top 3 guys right now IMO. My money is on Cassar until I see differently. I would like to see a better class if there ever was one!

 

[PSU_Pride_93]

wont brooks technically be apart of the 2019 class?

 

[Callthestall]

I remember reading about the 2014 class and how highly they were touted. It was late November and I read that Penn State was bringing a bunch of wrestlers to the East Stroudsburg Open. Being the college is only 20 minutes from me and it's a one tournament I decided to attend. I think it was 10 bucks for all day ticket.
It probably was the most enjoyable day I have spent in wrestling gym in my life.
Nolf, Nevills, Cassar all wrestled along with McCutchen, and a few others. Nickal was not there and I don't remember if Rasheed was in the gym.
8 mats on top of each other with hardly any seating. You were allowed to walk from mat to mat. I got to talk to Cael and Cunningham who were very cordial and accommodating.
2 things I remember day.
1. I watched Cassar who was unattached wrestle a couple of bouts he looked good in the first match but then a kid from Penn took it to him pretty good. Cassar could not get out from under. How things have changed for him.
2. I was standing next to Cael watching McCutchen match when Nolf comes up to Cael and says " I think I'm going to pin everybody". Cael smiled and got a little smirk on his face. Nolf is still pinning everybody.
I would have to say the 2014 class is special because of their big move capabilities.
We will have see how 2018 class developed.

 

[98lberEating2Lunches]

When I first learned of the Class of 2014, I predicted another 4-peat to my tOSU buddy. After seeing the Class of 2018, I gave him the bad news that I was upgrading my prediction to an 8-peat. I'd say four team championships are all that one can unreasonably expect from any class.

 

[matter7172]

When I first learned of the Class of 2014, I predicted another 4-peat to my tOSU buddy. After seeing the Class of 2018, I gave him the bad news that I was upgrading my prediction to an 8-peat. I'd say four team championships are all that one can unreasonably expect from any class.

If Gravina can wrestle in five B1G dual seasons, I see no reason why we can't shoot for five titles from a class.

 

[Dogwelder]

What if.... come March Shak and Cassar shock the world? Both are top 3 guys right now IMO. My money is on Cassar until I see differently. I would like to see a better class if there ever was one!

Since both are top 3, and neither of their top 1s are proven DT-level studs, they would not be SHOCKing the world by winning.

 

[GogglesPaizano]

Since both are top 3, and neither of their top 1s are proven DT-level studs, they would not be SHOCKing the world by winning.

Shock the world in terms of combining their results with the rest of murderers row. Could we, should we, would the refs and HR allow a sweep from 157 on.... before pulling fire alarms on the building forcing an evacuation? Extremely unlikely, but.....

 

[District four]

seems like we need some crack flo research to see if this class is the most decorated class of ever.

Crack of the research lol. I'm sure you'll get both at Flo lmfao

 

[District four]

Crack of the research lol. I'm sure you'll get both at Flo lmfao

Crack or research

 

[District four]

One can only trust that the hex, "Just wait until Taylor and Ruth graduate," sustains its mystical powers for the class of 2018.

Like Cael preaches, each season is a new beginning with a new team and new challenges. There'll be no value in comparisons to the past when competing for a 2020 NCAA championship.

I agree and there is little doubt the next group might end up with just as many national titles .if you factor two more years of Nick Lee, RBY, Brooks for sure, Beard , Teasdale, Howard, Teske, Joe Lee, holy shit we're going to be freaking awesome .oh and I forgot storraci and nevills wtf is there no end to this dominance .Just when you think it can't get any better IT DOES

 

[District four]

I agree and there is little doubt the next group might end up with just as many national titles .if you factor two more years of Nick Lee, RBY, Brooks for sure, Beard , Teasdale, Howard, Teske, Joe Lee, holy shit we're going to be freaking awesome .oh and I forgot storraci and nevills wtf is there no end to this dominance .Just when you think it can't get any better IT DOES

If cassar and shake come back next year there's going to be an uproar pun intended

 

[tomsc]

wont brooks technically be apart of the 2019 class?

I guess it depends whether you determine the class by year of graduation, or year of entry into college. I suspect it's by year of entry. If so, then Lee, Beard and Nevills would also count in the 2019 class.

 

[SWPA]

Does anybody else get the feeling that Ruth and Taylor never graduated?

 

[dunkej01]

Does anybody else get the feeling that Ruth and Taylor never graduated?

As much as things change, they still stay the same.

 

[SWPA]

As much as things change, they still stay the same.

Or get better.

 

[dmm53]

I remember reading about the 2014 class and how highly they were touted. It was late November and I read that Penn State was bringing a bunch of wrestlers to the East Stroudsburg Open. Being the college is only 20 minutes from me and it's a one tournament I decided to attend. I think it was 10 bucks for all day ticket.
It probably was the most enjoyable day I have spent in wrestling gym in my life.
Nolf, Nevills, Cassar all wrestled along with McCutchen, and a few others. Nickal was not there and I don't remember if Rasheed was in the gym.
8 mats on top of each other with hardly any seating. You were allowed to walk from mat to mat. I got to talk to Cael and Cunningham who were very cordial and accommodating.
2 things I remember day.
1. I watched Cassar who was unattached wrestle a couple of bouts he looked good in the first match but then a kid from Penn took it to him pretty good. Cassar could not get out from under. How things have changed for him.
2. I was standing next to Cael watching McCutchen match when Nolf comes up to Cael and says " I think I'm going to pin everybody". Cael smiled and got a little smirk on his face. Nolf is still pinning everybody.
I would have to say the 2014 class is special because of their big move capabilities.
We will have see how 2018 class developed.

Looks like Nolf got a lot of matches in at ESU that day but didn't pin everyone:

#171 Mitchell, Casey (14 - 14) #75 Sacred Heart 11/16 157 W TF4 15 - 0 7:00
Myers, DJ Mercyhurst 11/16 157 W FALL 4:28

GEHR, DAVID Unknown 11/16 157 W FALL 4:24

#87 Cisneros, David (4 - 2) #3 Cornell 11/16 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W DEC 6 - 2

#48 Martino, Brooks (15 - 14) #23 Pennsylvania 11/16 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W TF4 15 - 0 7:00

#60 Staudenmayer, Justin (28 - 11) #61 Brown 11/16 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W DEC 6 - 1

#171 Mitchell, Casey (14 - 14) #75 Sacred Heart 11/15 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W TF4 15 - 0 7:00
https://www.wrestlestat.com/wrestler/15264/mitchell-casey/profile

 

[STAND with PRIDE]

I guess it depends whether you determine the class by year of graduation, or year of entry into college. If so, then Lee, Beard and Nevills would also count in the 2019 class.

How bout we agree on whichever year it is they sign their LOI?

 

[tomsc]

How bout we agree on whichever year it is they sign their LOI?

I believe almost always the signing of LOI is the senior year of HS (can't be before that). A few times, I guess, a wrestler will gray shirt and wait a year to actually sign the LOI, but I don't think that's very common. Didn't most of our 4--Lee, Brooks, Beard and Nevills sign LOI's their Sr year of HS? I'm thinking that maybe one of them didn't during their Sr year.

 

[jrd23psu]

I believe almost always the signing of LOI is the senior year of HS (can't be before that). A few times, I guess, a wrestler will gray shirt and wait a year to actually sign the LOI, but I don't think that's very common. Didn't most of our 4--Lee, Brooks, Beard and Nevills sign LOI's their Sr year of HS? I'm thinking that maybe one of them didn't during their Sr year.

I'm pretty sure none of the greyshirts signed an LOI. I think once they do their clock starts so I don't think they can sign one until they are ready to enroll at PSU if they want to greyshirt.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, though. Diceman? Roar?

 

[Used2BEerie]

I believe almost always the signing of LOI is the senior year of HS (can't be before that). A few times, I guess, a wrestler will gray shirt and wait a year to actually sign the LOI, but I don't think that's very common. Didn't most of our 4--Lee, Brooks, Beard and Nevills sign LOI's their Sr year of HS? I'm thinking that maybe one of them didn't during their Sr year.

To further muddy these waters, a senior in high school could sign during the early signing period or the regular spring signing period which would obviously occur during 2 different calendar years. I like to count them by when their NCAA clock starts ticking.

 

[NoVa Lion]

I'm pretty sure none of the greyshirts signed an LOI. I think once they do their clock starts so I don't think they can sign one until they are ready to enroll at PSU if they want to greyshirt.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, though. Diceman? Roar?

Also pretty sure none of them signed an LOI. However, signing an LOI does not start the clock. Enrolling in school full time starts the clock. Your last point makes sense since the LOI is only binding for one year if the plan is to greyshirt there is no reason to sign an LOI while still in HS.

 

[dicemen99]

Also pretty sure none of them signed an LOI. However, signing an LOI does not start the clock. Enrolling in school full time starts the clock. Your last point makes sense since the LOI is only binding for one year if the plan is to greyshirt there is no reason to sign an LOI while still in HS.

An LOI binds for 1 year of enrollment, not 1 calendar year. So if a wrestler planning to greyshirt signs one as a SR in HS, he still owes the institution a year if he greyshirts.

 

[tomsc]

An LOI binds for 1 year of enrollment, not 1 calendar year. So if a wrestler planning to greyshirt signs one as a SR in HS, he still owes the institution a year if he greyshirts.

We've seen guys break their LOI. If what you say is correct, does that mean his original signing school has to sign a release for him to wrestle his first year of college at another school?

 

[matter7172]

Looks like Nolf got a lot of matches in at ESU that day but didn't pin everyone:

#171 Mitchell, Casey (14 - 14) #75 Sacred Heart 11/16 157 W TF4 15 - 0 7:00
Myers, DJ Mercyhurst 11/16 157 W FALL 4:28

GEHR, DAVID Unknown 11/16 157 W FALL 4:24

#87 Cisneros, David (4 - 2) #3 Cornell 11/16 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W DEC 6 - 2

#48 Martino, Brooks (15 - 14) #23 Pennsylvania 11/16 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W TF4 15 - 0 7:00

#60 Staudenmayer, Justin (28 - 11) #61 Brown 11/16 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W DEC 6 - 1

#171 Mitchell, Casey (14 - 14) #75 Sacred Heart 11/15 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W TF4 15 - 0 7:00

I remember watching Nolf at the NLOpen that year and being impressed. But I had no inkling what was to come. He took a tremendous leap forward when he was a redshirt freshman.

 

[GogglesPaizano]

Something tells me we are going to be back here in a few years debating the same subject, except 2018 class vs 2020. You watch, Howard is just the beginnng.

 

[bwfight]

Something tells me we are going to be back here in a few years debating the same subject, except 2018 class vs 2020. You watch, Howard is just the beginnng.

I couldn't agree more. And as the National titles and eventually World and Olympic titles become part of the world domination paradigm that Cael and company are building, the recruiting success will continue to improve, even though it's hard to fathom how it can get much better than it already is.

 

[dicemen99]

We've seen guys break their LOI. If what you say is correct, does that mean his original signing school has to sign a release for him to wrestle his first year of college at another school?

Yes.

 

[Psu_rings]

I agree and there is little doubt the next group might end up with just as many national titles .if you factor two more years of Nick Lee, RBY, Brooks for sure, Beard , Teasdale, Howard, Teske, Joe Lee, holy shit we're going to be freaking awesome .oh and I forgot storraci and nevills wtf is there no end to this dominance .Just when you think it can't get any better IT DOES

This is exactly why elite recruits want to come to PSU....Other programs make wrestling a grind and you start to hate it after 2 years....Just ask some big time wrestlers from other programs who have graduated and they will tell you.....It's a whole different world at PSU where you get a great quality education and WRESTLING IS FUN !!!! DYNASTY FOR MANY YEARS TO COME....

 

[NoVa Lion]

An LOI binds for 1 year of enrollment, not 1 calendar year. So if a wrestler planning to greyshirt signs one as a SR in HS, he still owes the institution a year if he greyshirts.

Which was exactly my point. No reason to sign an LOI if you are planning on greyshirting.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

I couldn't agree more. And as the National titles and eventually World and Olympic titles become part of the world domination paradigm that Cael and company are building, the recruiting success will continue to improve, even though it's hard to fathom how it can get much better than it already is.

Yup - the lack of world titles was their security blanket. With our studs currently cycling through, I expect that to change in a big way

 

[Callthestall]

Looks like Nolf got a lot of matches in at ESU that day but didn't pin everyone:

#171 Mitchell, Casey (14 - 14) #75 Sacred Heart 11/16 157 W TF4 15 - 0 7:00
Myers, DJ Mercyhurst 11/16 157 W FALL 4:28

GEHR, DAVID Unknown 11/16 157 W FALL 4:24

#87 Cisneros, David (4 - 2) #3 Cornell 11/16 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W DEC 6 - 2

#48 Martino, Brooks (15 - 14) #23 Pennsylvania 11/16 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W TF4 15 - 0 7:00

#60 Staudenmayer, Justin (28 - 11) #61 Brown 11/16 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W DEC 6 - 1

#171 Mitchell, Casey (14 - 14) #75 Sacred Heart 11/15 East Stroudsburg Open 157 W TF4 15 - 0 7:00

Maybe Nolf came up to Cael after a tech and pin and was generalizing, but I do remember he said "pin everybody"
Did you look to see who wrestled Cassar from Penn?

 

[CholleyVandine]

Maybe Nolf came up to Cael after a tech and pin and was generalizing, but I do remember he said "pin everybody"
Did you look to see who wrestled Cassar from Penn?

I remember that ... it was Frank Mattiace, who was also a freshman at the time. Mattiace beat him 6-0. Cassar avenged the loss at the Keystone Classic last year, 7-4. Apparently Cassar has improved since he arrived at Penn State.

 

[dunkej01]

I remember that ... it was Frank Mattiace, who was also a freshman at the time. Mattiace beat him 6-0. Cassar avenged the loss at the Keystone Classic last year, 7-4. Apparently Cassar has improved since he arrived at Penn State.

impossible

 

[NoVaLion2]

Hitting the nail on the head. This quote reminds me of a discussion on another recent thread where someone wished Nick Lee would wrestle like Zain. I think the difference in styles between ALL of these guys (from Taylor and Ruth forward) is one of the most interesting things about how Cael coaches. Don't try to be someone else, just keep being a better version of yourself.