Top 5 Instant Impact Incoming Freshmen

Top 5 Instant Impact Incoming Freshmen

Our last Class of 2017 Big Board is out and our Class of 2017 recruiting rankings have been finalized as well. But within both of those rankings are recruits who will surely have bigger impacts on their teams more than others.

May 11, 2017 by Ryan Holmes
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Our last Class of 2017 Big Board is out, and our Class of 2017 recruiting rankings have been finalized as well. Within both of those rankings are recruits who will surely have bigger impacts on their teams than other incoming freshmen. 

But who will be the recruits that have an impact like Virginia's Jack Mueller or maybe even Penn State's Mark Hall, who came in hot? While this class has some seriously major talent, the guys on this list are the ones we believe will arrive right away and start as freshmen. According to our sources, no redshirt year will be needed -- these guys are ready to go.

Yianni Diakomihalis, Cornell

So many fans have clamored about the two-time cadet world champ's talent and how he's head and shoulders above anyone who stepped on the mat against him in high school. He will start at the bottom of the totem pole and need to prove himself against the best in the country, but one thing is for sure, he's going to compete and compete hard.

Mikey Labriola, Nebraska

His breakable pace and ability to go deep into matches against some top-tier talent bodes well for this young Husker. Labriola finished his high school career on top of the 170-pound weight class and will slide into Nebraska's lineup at 165 next year. 

Nick Lee, Penn State

Lee spent the past year training at the NLWC. And while he took some lumps at the Edinboro Open and Bill Farrell tournaments, he still competed well and will fill in nicely for Jimmy Gullibon at 141 next year.

Austin O'Connor, UNC

Why waste time watching when you can get busy doing? At least that seems to be the approach from North Carolina for next year as O'Connor along with a few other freshmen are expected to get the green light right away. O'Connor had a stellar high school career and finished it off with some pretty big wins at the all-star events. Expect to see him at 149 for the Tar Heels.

Quentin Hovis, Navy

Hovis has received some high praise and expectations from the Navy coaches already, and it is warranted. Hovis rose all the way up to the top spot in the country and held it for a while after defeating David Carr to get there. He will be a great addition to the Midshipmen's lineup at 157 for sure.