2016 Iowa State at Oklahoma State

Put Some Respect On Brandon Sorensen's Name

Put Some Respect On Brandon Sorensen's Name

Iowa's 149 lb All-American Brandon Sorensen's reputation doesn't match his output.

Jan 11, 2017 by Christian Pyles
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Live On Flo This Week: 1/13 Blair at Wyoming Seminary, SDSU at Wyoming, | 1/13-14: Eastern States, 5 Counties, | 1/15: Iowa at Oklahoma State, SDSU at Air Force, Oregon State at Wyoming

Brandon Sorensen isn't exactly Birdman (NSFW). The Iowa 149-pounder is probably not worried about your opinion, but the narrative on Sorensen is frankly off heading into the third-ranked Hawkeyes' dual match at No. 1 Oklahoma State on Sunday, Jan. 15.

The issue is Sorensen doesn't satisfy some college fans' current bloodlust for complete demolitions. It's strange. I've seen tweets and received texts, all lamenting Sorensen's lack of points and "boring" style.

I have to ask who they're referring to? Are we talking about the same guy? Because the guy I'm thinking of has finished fourth and second in the NCAA in his first two seasons. A year ago, his only losses were to arguably (maybe not arguably) the most dominant NCAA wrestler in the country, Zain Retherford. Apart from those losses, he averaged 9.3 points per match last year with 14 bonus point wins. This year, he's been more dominant, averaging 14.3 points per match. That's not even counting his four pinfalls.  

Does he do crazy Jason Nolf-like flips? Can he hit pass-bys and throws like Kaid Brock? I'm not trying to sell Sorensen as a fireworks show. His near arm far leg is as predictable as the sun, and he has some of the best go-behinds in the country. He gets away on bottom and can turn/ride from top. I'm not calling him Jordan Burroughs, it just comes down to respeck.

Earlier today, another Flo employee (non-content) randomly gave me his opinion that Sorensen doesn't do anything. The perception is prevalent, but it's rooted in nothing factual.  

This Sunday, he'll take on his toughest opponent of the year in Anthony Collica. The two have a history that favors Sorensen. He's won by scores of 6-1 and 4-2. Collica is wrestling as well as we've seen him, and Sorensen will once again be asked to answer the bell in one of many potential swing matches for the Iowa-Oklahoma State dual that starts at 2 PM CT on Sunday, Jan. 15.

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