10. Cam Tessari (Hofstra)
He's open to risk and loves the big move. Cam Tessari was Ohio State's emotional leader on match day because he risked the most to help his teammates and earned the adoration of the crowd. Now he's hoping to be that same type of wrestler at Hofstra. Never out of a match, Tessari's upper body work can border on brilliance, which keeps his opponents at a distance and fans leaning forward in their chairs.
9. Undrakhbayar (The Citadel)
Sometimes the most exciting thing you can do as a fan is pull for the wrestler with an underdog story. Undrakhbayar, better known to fans in the U.S. as Ugi, is one of those wrestlers. A Mongolian immigrant along with No. 8 Turtogtokh (165), Ugi traveled the globe for the chance at an education. He's getting that, and giving fans something to cheer for on the mat, too. A left-sided attack and slick finishes have made Ugi a must-see for technique aficionados, and his personal story is a nice addition to the NCAA wrestling season.
Nick Sulzer won the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)With consistent leg attacks and a punishing riding style, Nick Sulzer has earned the No. 2 ranking at 165 pounds behind David Taylor. For anyone who has seen Sulzer's attack-first mentality, the junior can look unstoppable on his feet. That type of domination is appealing, and for fans of Sulzer's, a reason to get excited about his potential to give the Magic Man a challenge in the NCAA finals. That might be a far off dream, but with slick high-level attacks, Sulzer might just be the wrestler intended to provide the NCAA tournament with a large dosing of excitement.
7. David Taylor (Penn State)
There is something ironic happening to David Taylor. The more points he scores -- the more dominating he is on the mat -- the less exciting he becomes to fans. After last season's rivalry with Kyle Dake, Taylor has moved into the role of cleaning out his weight class and eliminating the doubt of fans. The Nittany Lion wrestler scores ALL THE TIME, and often from new positions and creative takedowns. He's been perfect this season ... and many believe his unblemished record won't be at much risk. No one match has been that compelling, but his level of domination is certainly inspirational and exciting.
6. Max Schneider (Cal Poly)
Wrestling fans love to see a big throw, and Cal Poly's Max Schneider is unique in his ability to deliver throws many wrestling fans have never seen. A world-level judoka at the junior level, the redshirt freshman puts opponents into positions that they rarely see otherwise. When they react the wrong way Schneider sends him flying, and the fans cheering for more.
5. Tyler Graff (Wisconsin)
A lightweight who wrestles an open, aggressive and in-your-face style, Graff is one of the most overlooked wrestlers on this list. He's had trouble with big opponents, but few takedowns in NCAA wrestling rival the technical efficiency of Graff's single leg attacks. Fans with knowledge of the sport, and who watch Graff with consistency, can't get enough of his on-the-mat mentality.
Michigan senior Eric Grajales has an arsenal of big moves (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)His results may vary and his gas tank has been in constant need of a top-off, but there is little argument that Eric Grajales' talent and creativity on the mat are something every fan enjoys. Unlike others on the list, Grajales got here not for executing simple moves with grace, but for using high-amplitude throws and big moves to score points in bunches and keep fans wanting more. Not yet an All-American, Grajales will be one of the wrestlers that fans will rally behind in Oklahoma City. Why? Because EVERYONE loves a good throw.
3. Taylor Walsh (Indiana)
You want to see a pin? Look no further than Indiana's six-point scoring machine. Like Scott Moore a decade before him, Taylor Walsh is pining without discrimination, racking up 20 falls this season. That leads the NCAA Division I rankings, and since there is no greater moment on a wrestling mat, and nothing better to cheer than a pin, Walsh is easily among the most exciting guys on the mat today.
2. James Green (Nebraska)
Sometimes the most exciting guy is the one who does something his opponent knows is coming, but still can't stop. James Green's powerful leg attacks and explosive finishes make him one of the sport's top attractions. An attack-first guy with a double leg means Green is often compared to his friend and fellow Cornhusker Jordan Burroughs. That might not be fair or a totally accurate comparison, but it's one that lends some significance to just how exciting the Husker junior can be on the mat.
Dylan Ness has used his funk to defeat top wrestlers like Iowa's Derek St. John (Photo/David Peterson)This season's most wide-open wrestler, Dylan Ness competes with a funk that risks it all in an effort to earn the fall. Luckily for fans of Minnesota, that funk and the attached risk are starting to pay off in a big way. He used his funk to defeat NCAA champion Derek St. John and pin All-American Dylan Alton in dual meets. He's unpredictable at times (all the time), which leaves fans of the sport on the edge of their seat every time he takes the mat. But tip your headgear to the man. His funk has become more consistent throughout his career and improved this season.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now