Twenty-four wrestlers founded the Little Rock wrestling program. Despite a rough season, their 2020-21 campaign has an enormous upside. Head coach Neil Erisman fetched up 22 underclassmen to join the Trojans.

On paper, the Trojans squad is not cracking a national radar. However, they are all winners who bought into elevating every step of this program. In fact, the 13 freshmen have combined for 13 state titles and multiple All-American awards. According to Erisman, they have brought their winning culture to the program early. 

Besides boosting the culture in Little Rock, the new recruits have added depth to the roster. After struggling to field a full roster, Erisman knew depth was number one on his priority list. 

“It's super crucial,” Erisman said. “We struggled in the depth department last year. We have some new guys who are excited about wrestling and really do want to be here. So, I think the number of guys we got is perfect for our future.”

Erisman and his staff’s main targets were middle and heavier weights. After all, the Trojans were winning halfway through multiple duals. Once the Trojans reached the middleweights, the injuries piled up and the losses were inevitable. 

Therefore, Erisman started recruiting out West and made a presence in the California hotbed. In the Pac-12, California is the go-to spot for recruiting. Despite being about 1,700 miles away in Arkansas, Erisman made an impact in the Golden State.

“We're not afraid to call every kid whether you're the number one or you're number 1,000,” Erisman said. “We're calling everybody, we're shaking every bush, and we're making sure we are looking under every rock for that type of kid that wants to be a part of this program.”

Erisman’s recruiting success did not end when the sunset in the West. Instead, Erisman captured wrestlers from nine other states. Despite all the young bright-eyed underclassmen, Erisman believes he found Little Rock’s trailblazers.

“They already are [trailblazers] because they probably had better options on paper, but they bought into what we were doing,” Erisman said. “They've already put their footprint in this program with the way that they train and carry themselves.”

These trailblazers are led by three top-100 2021 recruits (Cade Mannion, Matt Bianchi, and Cougar Anderson). Mannion starts off the big three by bringing in an immediate impact to either the 141- or 149-pound class. According to Erisman, he is a tough kid with a great character. Mannion bought into the Trojan program after day one.

Bianchi joins his older brothers on the team. Bianchi is one of the true headliners of this recruiting class. Besides being a dynamic wrestler, Erisman realized once he signed to Little Rock, other recruits followed. 

Anderson was an unexpected addition to the Trojans even though his visions aligned with Little Rock. Since then, Anderson has bought into the program and will look to help push the young core.

Every other recruit impressed Erisman as well. However, two additions have truly sparked fire in him and the Trojan squad. Oklahoma State transfer Tristan Wills and highly talented heavyweight Gabe Beyer showcase potentially racking up points for the Trojans.

Currently, Wills brings in a veteran experience from another program. He is able to support his coaches and wrestlers with his attitude and knowledge. Plus, Wills has been Mr. Consistent during practices recently.

As for Beyer, he is under many radars after going on his religious mission. The former Penn State and Arizona State commit found his home in Little Rock, though. Since his arrival, Erisman is ecstatic to see Beyer on the mat.

“Beyer is really going to open some eyes,” Erisman said. “He's fully capable of being a top heavyweight in the country. He is going to be a pleasant surprise for us at heavyweight this year.”

Beyer will face tough competition within the Pac-12 conference. However, Erisman and Little Rock expect success for Beyer in the Pac-12 and NCAA.

Although these five additions headline the new roster, Erisman is eager to see the immediate impact of each new addition. He and the Trojan community are ready to make news early and often.

“If people overlook us still, then they will overlook us one time, I promise you that.”

Nick Zeller-Singh is a student at Arizona State studying Sports Journalism. In addition to writing for FloWrestling, he appears on his college radio station, does play-by-play, and covers a variety of sports as a beat writer. Follow him on Twitter.