FI: Best Unsigned HS Seniors
FI: Best Unsigned HS Seniors
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Best of the Unsigned
Willie Saylor, Editor
Over the last five or so years, college recruiting has changed in just about every sport. Coaches are putting out offers, and athletes committing to them, earlier and earlier. Wrestling is no exception.
Of the Top 100 Senior recruits this year, 84 were committed to colleges before January 1st.
In fact, 4 of next year’s Top 10 are already committed!
But there are always stragglers; those that wait out offers or, for whatever reason, have not decided on a school. Eight Top 100 from this year’s class remain.
There are also the late bloomers. Just like last year saw guys like Shaun’ Que McMurtry (Nebraska), this year also has its hidden gems.
Heading in to the national tournament weekedend, it’s a good time to examine some of the hold overs. Below is a list of the top guys still available, with some commentary and seven picks that are particularly intriguing to me.
Since the last update to the Senior Big Board, a few names have emerged as Top 100 candidates who show strong promise at the next level.
Top 100’s Still Available
(Profile and commentary available by clicking on their page)
#54-Shayne Tucker, Bella Vista, California - 157/165
#61-Ronnie Bresser, Henley, Oregon - 125
#73-Cole Johnson, De Soto, Wisconsin - HWT
#81-Jordan Ellingwood, Plainfield, Illinois - 197
#83-Lawrence Otero, Volcano Vista, New Mexico - 141/149
#87-Newton Smercheck, Luxemberg-Casco, Wisconsin - HWT
#88-Chad Walsh, Camden Catholic, New Jersey - 149/157
#91-Jo Jo Tayse, Massillon Perry, Ohio - 197
Willie’s Picks:
Aaron Bradley, Nazareth, Pennsylvania - HWT
Commentary: Bradley wasn’t listed as a Top 100 recruit largely because he hadn’t competed in a whole heck of a lot of events. He showed his promise his JR year when he was a state runner-up to Thomas Haines at 220.
But my phone rang off the hook when he pushed Brooks Black to overtime in the Beast of the East finals in December.
Skill Set: Bradley fits the new trend of lean, athletic heavyweights we see having success at the college level currently. He’s a big old boy, but relatively lean, and with a great motor. What I like about Bradley is his ability to wrestle through positions where most others stop. That’s how he won both his semi’s and finals matches at the state tournament, against quality opponents. He showed the same grit in an OT win over Black at the Dapper Dan.
Bradley also has the intangibles: a good work ethic and strong character. He’s coached by PA legend, Dave Crowell, so you know he has a good framework coming in.
Prognosis: Bradley told me after the state tournament that he’ll take a 2-year Mormon mission starting this summer. He’s down to three schools: Cal Poly, Penn State, and nearby Lehigh.
Brandon Johnson, Lake Stevens, Washington - HWT
Commentary: Johnson first landed on my radar last spring and I was able to see him in person at Tri-State in December.
Skill Set: He’s not overly athletic nor particularly technical. He needs to be coached up on the finer points of being a HWT. But the frame is there, as are the intangibles. He’s hungry and he has the grit.
Prognosis: I have no knowledge of his recruitment. But I’m firm in my belief that he could be an asset and winner at the DI level. College coaches in need of a big guy should be on the phone with him now. If I updated the SR Big Board today, he’d be ahead of other HWT’s listed.
Zach Fuentes, Norristown, Pennsylvania - 125
Commentary: Fuentes was always a steady wrestler, but he put in a summer of heavy training before his senior year and it paid off. He had high placings at Ironman and Beast before reaching state finals.
Skill Set: Fuentes isn’t going to wow you. But he’s very fundamental, staying in good position while being difficult to score on. He needs to develop offensively.
Prognosis: Fuentes rattled off numerous schools when I talked to him after the Dapper Dan, including many northeastern schools and Central Michigan. As career 125’s become more and more difficult to find, Fuentes is an intriguing prospect to nab and develop.
Geo Martinez, Pine Creek, Colorado - 149
Commentary: Ranked 13th at 138, Martinez is the highest ranked middle weight to be unsigned. He’s always been a good wrestler, but with a limited off season and national schedule the last couple of years, I reserved assessment of him.
Skill Set: Martinez is absolutely slapped together. He’s a horse and backs up up with fine fundamentals and technique. He looked outstanding in winning Do Buchanan in California this winter. If there was one thing to nit pick on, it would be his movement and motion in which he was a little slow and stiff. Along with his size, this is why I have him slated as a 49.
Prognosis: The recruitment of Martinez is a little unconventional. Like me, a lot of college coaches weren’t sure just how good Martinez was until Doc B. By that time, and with significant college offers to him slow, Martinez committed to the prep school at the Air Force. What that means is, he’s still available, but after a year. Those in need of a solid middle weight should get on him.
Ty Walker, North Hills, Pennsylvania - 125/133
Commentary: You often find diamonds-in-the-rough in PA. Even coming in to his SR year, Walker was an unknown commodity, having never placed in the state. But his only losses this season came to the highly-ranked, 2x State Runner-Up, Michael Kemerer. After placing 3rd at Hershey, Walker then went on to win his Dapper Dan undercard bout.
Skill Set: Walker was ultra impressive this season. He showed very good motion and reaction, seeing what was there and getting to it very naturally. He was also really good with safer offense; front head and handfighting with drags and shrugs. Really impressive with mat returns from rear standing as well. All around, very impressive.
Prognosis: Not sure, but I’d be all this kid.
Chet Spears, Sheldon, Oregon - HWT
Commentary: Spears won two state titles, but it was in Fargo two years ago where I first noticed him. He was a runner-up (to Sam Stoll) in FS and 3rd in GR.
Skill Set: Spears in big and athletic. He’ll remind you a lot of Jarrod Trice with a better motor. This kid moves. Very competitive, he’s a winner. Better yet, he’s a good kid with a first-class family.
Prognosis: I’ve been telling every college coach that calls about a heavyweight to look at this kid. Here’s the thing: he loves football. He has offers from minor programs like Portland St., Montana St., and Eastern Washington. I encourage you to change his mind.
If you do miss out on Chet, don’t miss out on his ‘little’ brother, Wyatt, who was a double Fargo Cadet Champ last year.
Anthony Messner, Franklin, New Jersey - 184/197
Commentary: At Flonationals last year, Messner lost in the first round to Richard Sisti, who won a state title this year in NY. Messner then went on to win 6 straight bouts and eventually take 4th. One of those wins was a major over Jeramy Sweany, this year’s California State Champ.
Skill Set: Messner is a busy wrestler. And over the last year, he’s become increasingly more sophisticated. You could see his growth in ‘feeling’ certain situations and wrestling more fluidly. Still, his shots aren’t particularly crisp, and his technique won’t wow you. He needs some cleaning up. But he wrestles the right way, looking to score and giving you great effort.
Prognosis: The word seems to be a Bloomsburg/Lock Haven type of program, which I think is perfect for Messner. For me, he’s a little undersized as a 197 prospect right out of the gates. He’s a darkhorse pick here. But I think he’s a kid that programs needing an 84/97 should look at. He could pay dividends after some time in a college room and after being coached up.
Others:
Brandon Thompson, Solon, Ohio - 125
Doug Miner, Spirit Lake, Iowa - 125
Judson Preskitt, Wyoming Seminary, Pennsylvania -125
Micah Perez, Central Union, California - 125
Sean Williams, Lemoore, California - 125
Vincent Gomez, Frontier, California - 133
Ali Nasser, El Camino, California - 133
Elijah Davis, Riordan, California - 141
Jason Estevez, Livingston, New Jersey - 141
Richie Lewis, Timber Creek, New Jersey - 141
Heath Coles, Norwin, Pennsylvania - 149/157
Ty Schoffstahl, Tri Valley, Pennsylvania - 149/157
Alex Anciete, Las Vegas, Nevada - 157
Luke Wilson, Righetti, California - 157
Kyle Perrault, Clovis East, California - 165
Ricky McCarty, Macarthur, OK - 165
Isaiah Bradley, Muncie, Indiana - 165
Nicky Hall, Wyoming Seminary, Pennsylvania - 165/174
Adrian Salas, Clovis, California - 184
Ryder Newman, Green Valley, Nevada - 184
Ali Yildiz, South Brunswick, New Jersey - 184
Joe Ariola, Oak Park, Illinois - 184
Nick Cobb, Allen, Texas - 184/197
Landon Hanna, Dubois, Pennsylvania - 197
Andrew Welton, Central Tech, Pennsylvania - HWT
Donte Winfield, Perry Meridian, Indiana - HWT
Travis Gusan, Goshen, Ohio - HWT
Willie Saylor, Editor
Over the last five or so years, college recruiting has changed in just about every sport. Coaches are putting out offers, and athletes committing to them, earlier and earlier. Wrestling is no exception.
Of the Top 100 Senior recruits this year, 84 were committed to colleges before January 1st.
In fact, 4 of next year’s Top 10 are already committed!
But there are always stragglers; those that wait out offers or, for whatever reason, have not decided on a school. Eight Top 100 from this year’s class remain.
There are also the late bloomers. Just like last year saw guys like Shaun’ Que McMurtry (Nebraska), this year also has its hidden gems.
Heading in to the national tournament weekedend, it’s a good time to examine some of the hold overs. Below is a list of the top guys still available, with some commentary and seven picks that are particularly intriguing to me.
Since the last update to the Senior Big Board, a few names have emerged as Top 100 candidates who show strong promise at the next level.
Top 100’s Still Available
(Profile and commentary available by clicking on their page)
#54-Shayne Tucker, Bella Vista, California - 157/165
#61-Ronnie Bresser, Henley, Oregon - 125
#73-Cole Johnson, De Soto, Wisconsin - HWT
#81-Jordan Ellingwood, Plainfield, Illinois - 197
#83-Lawrence Otero, Volcano Vista, New Mexico - 141/149
#87-Newton Smercheck, Luxemberg-Casco, Wisconsin - HWT
#88-Chad Walsh, Camden Catholic, New Jersey - 149/157
#91-Jo Jo Tayse, Massillon Perry, Ohio - 197
Willie’s Picks:
Aaron Bradley, Nazareth, Pennsylvania - HWT
Commentary: Bradley wasn’t listed as a Top 100 recruit largely because he hadn’t competed in a whole heck of a lot of events. He showed his promise his JR year when he was a state runner-up to Thomas Haines at 220.
But my phone rang off the hook when he pushed Brooks Black to overtime in the Beast of the East finals in December.
Skill Set: Bradley fits the new trend of lean, athletic heavyweights we see having success at the college level currently. He’s a big old boy, but relatively lean, and with a great motor. What I like about Bradley is his ability to wrestle through positions where most others stop. That’s how he won both his semi’s and finals matches at the state tournament, against quality opponents. He showed the same grit in an OT win over Black at the Dapper Dan.
Bradley also has the intangibles: a good work ethic and strong character. He’s coached by PA legend, Dave Crowell, so you know he has a good framework coming in.
Prognosis: Bradley told me after the state tournament that he’ll take a 2-year Mormon mission starting this summer. He’s down to three schools: Cal Poly, Penn State, and nearby Lehigh.
Brandon Johnson, Lake Stevens, Washington - HWT
Commentary: Johnson first landed on my radar last spring and I was able to see him in person at Tri-State in December.
Skill Set: He’s not overly athletic nor particularly technical. He needs to be coached up on the finer points of being a HWT. But the frame is there, as are the intangibles. He’s hungry and he has the grit.
Prognosis: I have no knowledge of his recruitment. But I’m firm in my belief that he could be an asset and winner at the DI level. College coaches in need of a big guy should be on the phone with him now. If I updated the SR Big Board today, he’d be ahead of other HWT’s listed.
Zach Fuentes, Norristown, Pennsylvania - 125
Commentary: Fuentes was always a steady wrestler, but he put in a summer of heavy training before his senior year and it paid off. He had high placings at Ironman and Beast before reaching state finals.
Skill Set: Fuentes isn’t going to wow you. But he’s very fundamental, staying in good position while being difficult to score on. He needs to develop offensively.
Prognosis: Fuentes rattled off numerous schools when I talked to him after the Dapper Dan, including many northeastern schools and Central Michigan. As career 125’s become more and more difficult to find, Fuentes is an intriguing prospect to nab and develop.
Geo Martinez, Pine Creek, Colorado - 149
Commentary: Ranked 13th at 138, Martinez is the highest ranked middle weight to be unsigned. He’s always been a good wrestler, but with a limited off season and national schedule the last couple of years, I reserved assessment of him.
Skill Set: Martinez is absolutely slapped together. He’s a horse and backs up up with fine fundamentals and technique. He looked outstanding in winning Do Buchanan in California this winter. If there was one thing to nit pick on, it would be his movement and motion in which he was a little slow and stiff. Along with his size, this is why I have him slated as a 49.
Prognosis: The recruitment of Martinez is a little unconventional. Like me, a lot of college coaches weren’t sure just how good Martinez was until Doc B. By that time, and with significant college offers to him slow, Martinez committed to the prep school at the Air Force. What that means is, he’s still available, but after a year. Those in need of a solid middle weight should get on him.
Ty Walker, North Hills, Pennsylvania - 125/133
Commentary: You often find diamonds-in-the-rough in PA. Even coming in to his SR year, Walker was an unknown commodity, having never placed in the state. But his only losses this season came to the highly-ranked, 2x State Runner-Up, Michael Kemerer. After placing 3rd at Hershey, Walker then went on to win his Dapper Dan undercard bout.
Skill Set: Walker was ultra impressive this season. He showed very good motion and reaction, seeing what was there and getting to it very naturally. He was also really good with safer offense; front head and handfighting with drags and shrugs. Really impressive with mat returns from rear standing as well. All around, very impressive.
Prognosis: Not sure, but I’d be all this kid.
Chet Spears, Sheldon, Oregon - HWT
Commentary: Spears won two state titles, but it was in Fargo two years ago where I first noticed him. He was a runner-up (to Sam Stoll) in FS and 3rd in GR.
Skill Set: Spears in big and athletic. He’ll remind you a lot of Jarrod Trice with a better motor. This kid moves. Very competitive, he’s a winner. Better yet, he’s a good kid with a first-class family.
Prognosis: I’ve been telling every college coach that calls about a heavyweight to look at this kid. Here’s the thing: he loves football. He has offers from minor programs like Portland St., Montana St., and Eastern Washington. I encourage you to change his mind.
If you do miss out on Chet, don’t miss out on his ‘little’ brother, Wyatt, who was a double Fargo Cadet Champ last year.
Anthony Messner, Franklin, New Jersey - 184/197
Commentary: At Flonationals last year, Messner lost in the first round to Richard Sisti, who won a state title this year in NY. Messner then went on to win 6 straight bouts and eventually take 4th. One of those wins was a major over Jeramy Sweany, this year’s California State Champ.
Skill Set: Messner is a busy wrestler. And over the last year, he’s become increasingly more sophisticated. You could see his growth in ‘feeling’ certain situations and wrestling more fluidly. Still, his shots aren’t particularly crisp, and his technique won’t wow you. He needs some cleaning up. But he wrestles the right way, looking to score and giving you great effort.
Prognosis: The word seems to be a Bloomsburg/Lock Haven type of program, which I think is perfect for Messner. For me, he’s a little undersized as a 197 prospect right out of the gates. He’s a darkhorse pick here. But I think he’s a kid that programs needing an 84/97 should look at. He could pay dividends after some time in a college room and after being coached up.
Others:
Brandon Thompson, Solon, Ohio - 125
Doug Miner, Spirit Lake, Iowa - 125
Judson Preskitt, Wyoming Seminary, Pennsylvania -125
Micah Perez, Central Union, California - 125
Sean Williams, Lemoore, California - 125
Vincent Gomez, Frontier, California - 133
Ali Nasser, El Camino, California - 133
Elijah Davis, Riordan, California - 141
Jason Estevez, Livingston, New Jersey - 141
Richie Lewis, Timber Creek, New Jersey - 141
Heath Coles, Norwin, Pennsylvania - 149/157
Ty Schoffstahl, Tri Valley, Pennsylvania - 149/157
Alex Anciete, Las Vegas, Nevada - 157
Luke Wilson, Righetti, California - 157
Kyle Perrault, Clovis East, California - 165
Ricky McCarty, Macarthur, OK - 165
Isaiah Bradley, Muncie, Indiana - 165
Nicky Hall, Wyoming Seminary, Pennsylvania - 165/174
Adrian Salas, Clovis, California - 184
Ryder Newman, Green Valley, Nevada - 184
Ali Yildiz, South Brunswick, New Jersey - 184
Joe Ariola, Oak Park, Illinois - 184
Nick Cobb, Allen, Texas - 184/197
Landon Hanna, Dubois, Pennsylvania - 197
Andrew Welton, Central Tech, Pennsylvania - HWT
Donte Winfield, Perry Meridian, Indiana - HWT
Travis Gusan, Goshen, Ohio - HWT
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