I wrote this on themat, and I wanted to post it here, too. it's a breakdown of how I see the Hawkeye line up likely ending up next year at NCAA's. As always, this is just my opinion.

Alright, let's break it down.

125: Interesting weight for the Hawkeyes. With Charlie Falck gone, it's likely to be filled by Nate Moore, JJ Krutsinger, or true frosh Tony Ramos. Moore seemed to struggle with making the weight, but there are conflicting reports. Either way, I think the weight is talented for the future, and COULD sneak an AA,but probably scores a few points at NCAA's, but no AA. Unless it's Krutsinger, who is tough, but not really D1 AA material at this point.

Prediction: 2-2 at NCAA's.

133: Dan Dennis is the prohibitive favorite to start for the Hawkeyes. A grinder, he's showed heart throughout his career. He's a returning AA (7th place), but seemed to peak a little too early in the season. Either way, he beat last years NCAA champ (Gomez) as well as pretty much everyone at that weight not named Reece Humphrey. At NCAA's, though, most of those results were reversed. With Humphrey and Kennedy apparently moving up, I anticipate a better performance with one years experience under his belt. Dennis could be a champ, but it's a meat grinder of a weight.

Prediction: Mid AA to Champion

141: This weight is likely to be manned by either Joe Slaton or Dan LeClere. Either guy is tough, and has proved themselves to be tough wrestlers. LeClere had several wins over AA's, even though he had a terrible tournament two years ago. Slaton had a great tournament, but down at 133. The problem is that, year in and year out, this weight is just insane. I could see literally anywhere from not placing to winning the whole weight for either guy.

Prediction: Low to Mid AA

149: With Caldwell likely redshirting, I don't really see anybody that can beat Metcalf this year. If someone steps up, we'll see, but as of now, it's hard to foresee anyone challenging him seriously.

Prediction: Champion

157: A huge question mark. We could see Ballweg again, or we could see a true frosh like St. John. I'll go out on a limb and say we see Ballweg again, and he's better then last year. But not that much better.

Prediction: NCAA qualifier, 1-2 at best.

165: This weight will be manned by returning NCAA third placer, Ryan Morningstar. It's a tough weight to predict, but Morningstar showed last year. Still, if he maintains a very defensive style, there is an outside possibility of him not placing, but really, I see him placing about where he did last year.

Prediction: High AA, possible champ.

174: One of the big disappointments of the tournament for the Hawkeye, Jay Borschel was a returning third placer who lost in the round of 12 to a wrestler he had beaten repeatedly in Steve Anceravage. I'm admittedly a bit of a Borschel homer, but I can't see him not placing again. I think he has NCAA championship possibility, but I think it's unfair to his competitors (and maybe disrespectful to call a returning non AA as champ.

Prediction: Mid AA

184: Phil Keddy seems to improve every year. Last year he showed he had improved enough to beat Mike Pucillo, and those two are just very close. Unfortunately, he ran into a guy who is just a terrible match up and got outwrestled by Doug Umbehauer not once but twice. Still, it's ahrd to see anyone but Mike Pucillo and Phil Keddy battling for the title. I'd favor Pucillo, but at this point, pick against Keddy at your own risk.

Prediction: High AA.

197: OH NO, IT'S CHAD BEATTY! Chad Beatty is a talented kid, and is really good on his feet, but he is always going to be just a little outhorsed. I could see him getting R12 or I suppose a sneaky low AA finish, but in all honesty, an AA finish here isn't likely.

Prediction: NCAA qualifier, 3-2.

HWT: This weight will be held down by Dan "The Man" Erekson. The kid just got better and better as the year went on, and he's a complete animal on top. He's also quicker then most, and is able to get quality takedowns. With another year of experience, he's on his way to a monster season. You might be seeing him on top of the podium sooner then you think.

Prediction: Mid to High AA.

I will make a few corrections to your predictions.

125 will be either Nate Moore or Matt McDonough, Otherwise its Krutsinger or the two freshman Ramos or Trizzino.

133 Dennis

141 Joe Slaton or LeClere

149 Metcalf

157 Ballweg or Aaron Janssen is going to make the cut from 165. Look for Janssen to take the spot. Outside shot that LeClere or Slaton sneak into the spot.(Purely speculation on my part)

165 M*

174 Jay Borschel will be pushed by Grant Gambrall don't be surprised in Grant gets some time at this spot.

184 Phil Keddy

197 Oh No it is Chad Beatty. If Chad stays healthy he is an All-American next year. The kids got talent, guts, and heart. Write it down.

HWT we like to refer to Dan Erekson as Danimal. He is finalist next year. He was the most improved wrestler for Iowa last year. He will be well over 260 next year and he has the offense to make it to the Finals.

Originally Posted by Zapp Brannigan

184: Phil Keddy seems to improve every year. Last year he showed he had improved enough to beat Mike Pucillo, and those two are just very close. Unfortunately, he ran into a guy who is just a terrible match up and got outwrestled by Doug Umbehauer not once but twice. Still, it's ahrd to see anyone but Mike Pucillo and Phil Keddy battling for the title. I'd favor Pucillo, but at this point, pick against Keddy at your own risk.

Prediction: High AA.

Gotta disaree about Umbehauer. Keddy had that match won the first time and just shut down and stopped wrestling. He lost that match mentally IMO. He should be hungry and have those kind of mistakes worked out. He and Pucillo in the finals is my prediction.

Also, I gotta believe that they will have a solution other than Ballweg for 157. I don't think they can give away a whole weight class again.

Originally Posted by vaisforlovers

Gotta disaree about Umbehauer. Keddy had that match won the first time and just shut down and stopped wrestling. He lost that match mentally IMO. He should be hungry and have those kind of mistakes worked out. He and Pucillo in the finals is my prediction.

Keddy was there, in the amtch, and he was trying to stop Umbehauer, and he just got taken down.

As much as I disagree with almost everything that comes out of Zapps mouth (or fingers, as it were) I have to say that looks like a pretty balanced and reasonable assessment.

In fact I dont know if you are giving Danimal enough love, he is my preseason pick for champ. I suppose with Z Ellis and Rosholt coming back its going to be a tough weight, but Erekson really impressed me last year.

I also agree with 184 being a two horse race next year, I think its Keddy and Pucillo in the finals, and no one else is even close.