2019-2020 team thoughts
Verkleeren will never be a 157. Second year in a row he got horsed a bit up at 70KG. But I understand not wanting to suck down to 65KG when you are expecting to make a run at 149 next year. I almost wish he were a 141, but understand there are complications with that. He's probably hoping RBY and Lee stay put the next couple years. To be honest, my AA expectations are pretty low, but I do think he is talented. Just wish there was a 145 pound weight class for him.
RBY is super talented, just don't think he wrestled his best tournament. Looked a little flat against Hernandez. Glory looked out of form too, so these things happen when coming off a full collegiate season. I did underestimate Tagg quite a bit. Im gonna go back and watch Tagg's other matches. Have to think RBY is the favorite to win the challenge tournament at WTT (should he enter). Trying to think of some other 61KG dudes that could give him trouble. Maybe Bartlett, Decatur, or Arujau (probably gonna stick with seniors and at 57). Really want him to make the team because we usually see team members jump levels.
Seth Nevills is what he is-- a limited athlete with exceptional size, strength, and 285 technique. Typical overachieving Nevills mold... but with more size! Those athletic deficits showed against Cass, but Im hoping the quick semi turnaround had something to do with it (Cass had a semi walkover). He will have trouble with quicker heavies, but his size and strength allows him to make up for his slow reaction time against 95% of heavyweights. Cass was the 5%. Excited to see if any of his movement improves with physical maturity. If Cassar moves on, I expect Nevills to low AA.
Aaron Brooks. How can you not love this dude. Leg attacks for days + elite scrambling ability. I would love to see what he could do right away. Things could be made easier with a Mark Hall redshirt (longshot, IMO), but if he wants to go 184, Rasheed could be the odd man man out. Another year on the Junior team should serve him well, but I do worry about going a loaded schedule for over a year. The kid was everywhere this year. With Hidlay up at 86kg, I don't see anyone close to challenging him. I think he'd destroy Plott. Immediate contender and that's not an uncommon take.
Brody Teske. Just not in love with his wrestling style as a 125. His defense isn't good enough to fend off the quick ones. He could absolutely qualify, but right now he's just a guy that can win some duals and score a few points at Big Tens. I don't expect that to change. Should be a battle with Matty Parker.
Manville- Greco no care, next
Joe Lee. Don't expect him to be as good as Nick, but he's a little more explosive. Reminds me of Dylan Alton.... which probably isn't the best compliment, but also not the worst. Im glad he gets another year to develop in a college room. He's a question mark, but certainly a lot of upside.
Hoping to see Beard, Hall, Berge, and Nick Lee soon! Pretty sure Beard is qualified for Junior WTT after placing 7th last year at the 2018 US Open. Hoping Nick Lee and Berge enter U23s.
