When the 2015 NCAA season rolls around, we'll see a large crop of talent from the 149 pound weight class.  With several NCAA All American's graduating from a year ago, we're sure to see many of these wrestlers step on and contribute at 149 pounds.


Zain Retherford-As I said on FRL, you best believe if Zain goes up to 149, he will be in the mix for a title. Like Henderson and his teammate Nico Megaludis, Zain elected to not compete in any folkstyle matches and focus on development as well as wrestling some Freestyle. The only guys who have beaten Zain at the NCAA level have graduated (Stieber, Port) so it’s possible he’s the favorite going into 2015-2016 season at 141. Remember in the last 3 NCAA seasons only one man beat Logan Stieber: Zain Retherford.  Zain had some great moments last year including a Scuffle Title!

 

Jake Sueflohn-Nebraska-We’ve all watched Jake Sueflohn through the years and he’s been the epitome of solid from day 1. For my money he’s the best guy in NCAA’s without an AA finish. Sueflohn has wins in his career over Hunter Stieber, Eric Grajales(They had a great match at CKLV), Brody Grothus and more. He’s got a tremendous motor as well as great feel and scrambling ability. He suffered a set back this year when he injured his knee which forced him to have to take a redshirt.  It is possible he will take some lumps to start the year, but once he rounds into form, Sueflohn will be gassing out 149 pounders nation wide!

Laike Gardner-Lehigh-The Mountain Hawk will move up a weight from his previous year of varsity competition. Laike was an NCAA qualifier 2 years ago at 141. Last year he redshirted and had quite a busy years. He fell to Habat, Durso, Ruschell, Cobb, Chishko and Oliver. Gardner notched wins over Micah Jordan and Matt Cimato. Gardner is a tremendous scrambler and can attack the legs as well. His upside may not be as high as others, but I think he can potentially contend for All American status.

Here's Laike's win over Micah Jordan!



Micah Jordan-Ohio State: I'm extremely curious to see what weight Micah wrestles at next year.   Typically with redshirt seasons you'll see the guys wrestle down a weight early, then maybe go up a weight later in the year.  Micah did the exact opposite.  Part of that was due to Hunter's health problems and that TOSU was considering pulling his redshirt.  However, you have to wonder if his success there may make it the long term plan.   It really hinges on Hunter being able to go down to 141 again.  Micah going up to 157 pounds would be fine for Micah as he was certainly successful there as well.   Micah only suffered one loss last year to the aforementioned Laike Gardner.  He notched a few wins over Jake Danishek, Solomon Chishko as well as TC Warner.  Micah may not be the physical talent that big brother Bo is, but I firmly expect him to come in and potentially place and place highly.  Like Bo, he's got a great single, tremendous hand fighting skills and very solid top work.  

Tyson Dippery-Rutgers-I’m operating under the assumption that Dippery will be at 149 next year though he competed at both 141 and 149 this season. Hitting up a whopping 8 tournaments, Dippery earned some major mat time as well as quite a few wins along the way. Coming in with around 40 matches under his belt I feel like Tyson will be ready to qualify and contribute considerably for the Scarlet Knights next year.  I'm not yet sold on him as an All-American but am intrigued with him and think you should have your eye on him.  

Thanks for checking out 149 pounds.  Any big names I missed or am sleeping on?  Let me know on twitter or comment below!

Other Redshirt Reports:
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133
141
157