Early Breakdown of the 2009-10 Ohio State Buckeyes

Gold · 05-26-2009, 06:28 AM

125: Nikko Triggas

Many people (including yours truly) picked Triggas as an AA early last year after a good true frosh campaign and a double gold at Jr. Pan-Ams. However, he then showed us that he had decided not to improve at all from his freshman year--particularly from the neutral position.

If he works hard on neutral this year, his top position is strong enough that he could AA, but I'm not going to pick him to do so again until I see some improvement.

Prediction: 2-2 at NCAAs

133: Ian Paddock

I have heard talk of Triggas bumping up to 133 next year, and that may well happen, but these predictions will not reflect that possibility. Ian Paddock is a pretty well-respected recruit out of New York, but I'm not going to expect too much out of a true frosh in the Big 10 unless he is really something special.

Prediction: Misses NCAAs--Maybe qualifies, but doesn't do anything there

141: Reece Humphrey

Reece improved a tremendous amount between his sophomore and junior years. He struggled with his weight all year last year as evinced by his missing a few duals, but nevertheless, he was an NCAA finalist. If he improves this summer the way he did last, he could walk through this weight.

Prediction: NCAA Champ (Should do no worse than 3rd)

149: Lance Palmer

He has AA'd his first three years and he should definitely do it his fourth time around. A very solid wrestler in all 3 positions, he should be in the finals--assuming Caldwell redshirts as reported. I can't pick him to beat Metcalf after losing 3 times, but he might not lose to anyone else all year.

Prediction: Top 3

157: Sean Nemec

I can't wait to see what this guy brings to the table next year. He was very highly touted coming out of high school, and comes from a program that knows how to produce AAs. He had a good year as a backup last year, and he wrestled a couple of the top guys very tough. However, it's tough to give him too much credit when he hasn't quite beaten any of these noteworthy people. I think he has AA potential, but 157 is always a tough weight and he has much to prove.

Prediction: 2-2 at NCAAs

165: Colt Sponseller

What happens to this guy in March? In high school he was the ultimate gamer when it came to big matches, but he seems to have left that trait at West Holmes HS. He has shown that he is right there with everyone who wrestled 165 last year, and is a career 2-0 against NCAA Champ Jarrod King.

However, 165 should be wrestling's toughest weight next year. Lewnes, Howe, Dwyer, Reader, Morningstar, Marable, Vallimont and Sponseller all return. If that's not enough, throw in Patrovich, Manuel, and Steve Brown. That's not even mentioning Dustin Schlatter. I think Sponseller can beat just about any of these guys (except maybe Schlatter), but there are just so many great opponents for a guy who falls asleep in March.

Prediction: Low to Mid AA

174: Dave Rella

Dave Rella is very talented, but inconsistent. He wrestled Steve Luke as tough as just about anyone last year. Last year, he seemed to be on the verge of being a very respectable 174 several times, but then he would go and lose to someone unranked. I could legitimately see him AAing next year, but I won't bet on it because of said inconsistency.

Prediction: Wins 2-3 matches at NCAAs

184: Mike Pucillo

Not much to say here. You have a pretty good idea of what you're getting in Mike Pucillo; he's very, very good at the things he does, and doesn't go outside that skillset very often. His front headlock might be the best out there, and his high crotch is also very good. To my knowledge, no one has ridden him out for 30 seconds in the last 2 years, and he is pretty good on top. I definitely think he will win his second NCAA title, but Iowa fans have good justification for throwing Keddy in that conversation.

Prediction: NCAA Champ

197: Cody 'CJ' Magrum

Magrum is the guy expected to replace Pucillo after next year, so he might be a little undersized here. He couldn't beat Rella last year at 174, so I don't have big expectations for him 2 weight classes higher. I'll be happy if he scores any points at nationals.

Prediction: NCAA Qualifier

285: Corey 'CoMo' Morrison

Morrison wrestled very well against and even beat some of the top 15 guys early last year, but didn't look too good starting at National Duals. I think he got warn out from wrestling so many guys so much bigger than him. Maybe he'll be more ready for the long haul this next year, but I doubt it.

Prediction: 2-2 at NCAAs

Team: The Buckeyes return a LOT from their team that has finished 2nd the last two year, but Iowa and ISU return a lot, too. In fact, Minnesota and Oklahoma State have enough talent coming in this year that they could leapfrog the Buckeyes as well. They could pull out the title with a great weekend, but it will be tough.

Prediction: Top 3

r.payton@att.net · 05-26-2009, 07:11 AM

Dammit Hippie-I do believe you meant Chris Brown at 165 as that would be a helacious jump for Steve to make .I had Brown last year and dam near had a nervous breakdown -beating .500 wrestlers 2-1 in 2ot .Then teching his first 2 opponents in the CAA's .Then losing to Rendos and someone , exiting far sooner than I had hoped .
As an aside -IU sucks so badly that Andre Hernandez teched Dan Dennis and majored him 2 years ago-he also beat Reece 5 of 6 times . Look for ALL IU wrestlers to suck this year .

vaisforlovers · 05-26-2009, 08:45 AM

You don't think Cody Gardner will break the lineup?

Gantry · 05-26-2009, 10:48 AM

Given last year's results, you have to assume OSU will go somewhere else at 197 - Gardner couldn't have been thought as anything but a major disappointment. I think he should try to beat out Morrison at HWT because he clearly had trouble making 197.

JensenS · 05-26-2009, 01:19 PM

I would agree that heavy is probably Gardner's best bet if he wants to crack the line up, especially given that Morrison isn't a big heavy himself.

I would imagine that John Weakly, the starter from two years ago may have a pretty solid shot at the 97 spot too.

Titan1065 · 05-26-2009, 01:59 PM

Neither Weakly nor Gardner will be with the Buckeyes next year.

Gold · 05-26-2009, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan1065

Neither Weakly nor Gardner will be with the Buckeyes next year.

This is what I'm hearing also. I don't have any kind of link to an article or anything, but very reputable people seem very sure that neither of these 2 are with the program any longer. I guess I should have mentioned that rather than assuming everyone knew.

vaisforlovers · 05-26-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gold

This is what I'm hearing also. I don't have any kind of link to an article or anything, but very reputable people seem very sure that neither of these 2 are with the program any longer. I guess I should have mentioned that rather than assuming everyone knew.

Cody Cody Cody...what is your deal!?

Gold · 05-26-2009, 09:58 PM

I should mention that I have seen them both around campus lately, so they haven't left the school already. I wouldn't be surprised if they end up being back next year because I've never seen anything official.

LoSt · 05-27-2009, 01:45 AM

Gold I was thinking to myself "these seem like very reasonable predictions" until I got to the very end.

3rd? seems like a bit of a stretch for 4 AA's, especially considering how strong teams like Iowa, ISU, and Minny are. I guess it could happen though, no one thought tOsu would be 2nd last year and they were.

05-26-2009, 06:28 AM	#1 (permalink)
Gold Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cambridge or Columbus, OH, depending on the time of year Posts: 2,998	Early Breakdown of the 2009-10 Ohio State Buckeyes 125: Nikko Triggas Many people (including yours truly) picked Triggas as an AA early last year after a good true frosh campaign and a double gold at Jr. Pan-Ams. However, he then showed us that he had decided not to improve at all from his freshman year--particularly from the neutral position. If he works hard on neutral this year, his top position is strong enough that he could AA, but I'm not going to pick him to do so again until I see some improvement. Prediction: 2-2 at NCAAs 133: Ian Paddock I have heard talk of Triggas bumping up to 133 next year, and that may well happen, but these predictions will not reflect that possibility. Ian Paddock is a pretty well-respected recruit out of New York, but I'm not going to expect too much out of a true frosh in the Big 10 unless he is really something special. Prediction: Misses NCAAs--Maybe qualifies, but doesn't do anything there 141: Reece Humphrey Reece improved a tremendous amount between his sophomore and junior years. He struggled with his weight all year last year as evinced by his missing a few duals, but nevertheless, he was an NCAA finalist. If he improves this summer the way he did last, he could walk through this weight. Prediction: NCAA Champ (Should do no worse than 3rd) 149: Lance Palmer He has AA'd his first three years and he should definitely do it his fourth time around. A very solid wrestler in all 3 positions, he should be in the finals--assuming Caldwell redshirts as reported. I can't pick him to beat Metcalf after losing 3 times, but he might not lose to anyone else all year. Prediction: Top 3 157: Sean Nemec I can't wait to see what this guy brings to the table next year. He was very highly touted coming out of high school, and comes from a program that knows how to produce AAs. He had a good year as a backup last year, and he wrestled a couple of the top guys very tough. However, it's tough to give him too much credit when he hasn't quite beaten any of these noteworthy people. I think he has AA potential, but 157 is always a tough weight and he has much to prove. Prediction: 2-2 at NCAAs 165: Colt Sponseller What happens to this guy in March? In high school he was the ultimate gamer when it came to big matches, but he seems to have left that trait at West Holmes HS. He has shown that he is right there with everyone who wrestled 165 last year, and is a career 2-0 against NCAA Champ Jarrod King. However, 165 should be wrestling's toughest weight next year. Lewnes, Howe, Dwyer, Reader, Morningstar, Marable, Vallimont and Sponseller all return. If that's not enough, throw in Patrovich, Manuel, and Steve Brown. That's not even mentioning Dustin Schlatter. I think Sponseller can beat just about any of these guys (except maybe Schlatter), but there are just so many great opponents for a guy who falls asleep in March. Prediction: Low to Mid AA 174: Dave Rella Dave Rella is very talented, but inconsistent. He wrestled Steve Luke as tough as just about anyone last year. Last year, he seemed to be on the verge of being a very respectable 174 several times, but then he would go and lose to someone unranked. I could legitimately see him AAing next year, but I won't bet on it because of said inconsistency. Prediction: Wins 2-3 matches at NCAAs 184: Mike Pucillo Not much to say here. You have a pretty good idea of what you're getting in Mike Pucillo; he's very, very good at the things he does, and doesn't go outside that skillset very often. His front headlock might be the best out there, and his high crotch is also very good. To my knowledge, no one has ridden him out for 30 seconds in the last 2 years, and he is pretty good on top. I definitely think he will win his second NCAA title, but Iowa fans have good justification for throwing Keddy in that conversation. Prediction: NCAA Champ 197: Cody 'CJ' Magrum Magrum is the guy expected to replace Pucillo after next year, so he might be a little undersized here. He couldn't beat Rella last year at 174, so I don't have big expectations for him 2 weight classes higher. I'll be happy if he scores any points at nationals. Prediction: NCAA Qualifier 285: Corey 'CoMo' Morrison Morrison wrestled very well against and even beat some of the top 15 guys early last year, but didn't look too good starting at National Duals. I think he got warn out from wrestling so many guys so much bigger than him. Maybe he'll be more ready for the long haul this next year, but I doubt it. Prediction: 2-2 at NCAAs Team: The Buckeyes return a LOT from their team that has finished 2nd the last two year, but Iowa and ISU return a lot, too. In fact, Minnesota and Oklahoma State have enough talent coming in this year that they could leapfrog the Buckeyes as well. They could pull out the title with a great weekend, but it will be tough. Prediction: Top 3 __________________ David Taylor - Future 4x NCAA Champ.

05-26-2009, 07:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
r.payton@att.net Olympic Champ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Danville .Indiana Posts: 4,084	Re: Early Breakdown of the 2009-10 Ohio State Buckeyes Dammit Hippie-I do believe you meant Chris Brown at 165 as that would be a helacious jump for Steve to make .I had Brown last year and dam near had a nervous breakdown -beating .500 wrestlers 2-1 in 2ot .Then teching his first 2 opponents in the CAA's .Then losing to Rendos and someone , exiting far sooner than I had hoped . As an aside -IU sucks so badly that Andre Hernandez teched Dan Dennis and majored him 2 years ago-he also beat Reece 5 of 6 times . Look for ALL IU wrestlers to suck this year .

05-26-2009, 08:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
vaisforlovers Olympic Champ Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Staunton, VA Posts: 2,933	Re: Early Breakdown of the 2009-10 Ohio State Buckeyes You don't think Cody Gardner will break the lineup? __________________ "Go the other way ding-dong!" -Tom Brands

05-26-2009, 10:48 AM	#4 (permalink)
Gantry NCAA Champ Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,066	Re: Early Breakdown of the 2009-10 Ohio State Buckeyes Given last year's results, you have to assume OSU will go somewhere else at 197 - Gardner couldn't have been thought as anything but a major disappointment. I think he should try to beat out Morrison at HWT because he clearly had trouble making 197.

05-26-2009, 01:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
JensenS Administrator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Delaware Posts: 13,639	Re: Early Breakdown of the 2009-10 Ohio State Buckeyes I would agree that heavy is probably Gardner's best bet if he wants to crack the line up, especially given that Morrison isn't a big heavy himself. I would imagine that John Weakly, the starter from two years ago may have a pretty solid shot at the 97 spot too.

05-26-2009, 01:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
Titan1065 Redshirt Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 5	Re: Early Breakdown of the 2009-10 Ohio State Buckeyes Neither Weakly nor Gardner will be with the Buckeyes next year.

05-26-2009, 09:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
Gold Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cambridge or Columbus, OH, depending on the time of year Posts: 2,998	Re: Early Breakdown of the 2009-10 Ohio State Buckeyes I should mention that I have seen them both around campus lately, so they haven't left the school already. I wouldn't be surprised if they end up being back next year because I've never seen anything official. __________________ David Taylor - Future 4x NCAA Champ.

05-27-2009, 01:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
LoSt Ron Weasley Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4,917	Re: Early Breakdown of the 2009-10 Ohio State Buckeyes Gold I was thinking to myself "these seem like very reasonable predictions" until I got to the very end. 3rd? seems like a bit of a stretch for 4 AA's, especially considering how strong teams like Iowa, ISU, and Minny are. I guess it could happen though, no one thought tOsu would be 2nd last year and they were. __________________ Gold is an idiot.

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