Jagger's Friday Mailbag - 10/11/2024

Gonna go on record and say Rutgers is a real player for Bo Bassett. Tell us why it makes sense, Jagger. Willie Saylor 

This drew a good amount of attention in the social media land and rightfully so. Making the claim that one of the top high school recruits in a generation may possibly bypass the bluebloods of the sport and take his talents to New Jersey is certainly newsworthy. But it’s also based in reality. Sure, most people assume Bo will just end up at Penn State because, well, many top recruits go to Penn State. But why have this marathon song and dance if you’re going to end up where everyone thinks you will end up? I truly believe the Bassett family is looking at this with a completely open mind to find the best fit, or deal, for their son. 

So why can’t it be Rutgers? This is the type of recruit that potentially changes the entire landscape of your program. If he is giving you a chance then you make the best of that chance and go for it. Unleash the best recruiting pitch you have in your arsenal. And they have. Assistant coach and PA native Steve Mytych was first on the scene when the clock struck midnight. They want him and believe they can get him. 

Let's face it. Bo likes the attention. And he handles it just fine. He seems to thrive on it. Does that mean he’s going to go unnoticed at one of the powerhouse schools? Of course not. But coming to a school like Rutgers gives you a chance to form your own path and build your own legacy. And if they decide to travel to your home visit in a Brinks truck, well that’s fine, too. It doesn’t hurt that Rutgers already has Mason Gibson in the fold to help butter the bread a bit. These guys are a close-knit group and may want to stay together. 

Rutgers is a program on the rise that has hit the Pennsylvania recruiting trail hard over the last few years. They have a rabid fanbase that packs the arena every time out. They have a brand new facility. They have Jagger Night. They’re a short drive from the media capital of the world. They wrestle in the top conference. Sure, you can go to Penn State or Ohio State or Iowa. That’s easy. But going somewhere else to try and beat those guys? That’s the stuff legends are made of. So while I still think it’s a long shot, it’s a legit shot. And sometimes all you need is a shot. 

Nick here, longtime reader, friend of the program. What's one preseason wrestling story we are seemingly overlooking now that we're in October? I'll hang up and listen. Nick Kosko 

Good question. I’ll have to think about that. Perhaps the return of Sammy Sasso? The guy is just over a year removed from getting shot in the stomach and not even being able to walk afterward. I’ll admit I thought his career was over. But like with most things, I was wrong. The former Nazareth star is back in the fold for the Buckeyes and up at 165. I’m not sure what more I can really say here. He nearly lost his life and he’s back a year later. Truly remarkable stuff and I wish him the best. Nothing would make me happier than to see Sammy and his patented backpack run out for one more NCAA final. 

Does the timing of WNO take the shine off any potential Super 32 matchups for you or more excited for the potential immediate rematches? Rhino 

I like it. I like the way the fall preseason works out. There’s no real National high school circuit, so this time of year provides the best competition for the top kids before they all compete in their respective high school seasons. As great as WNO is, it’s an all-star event for kids who may not have even had a legit match in months. Maybe you’re a bit rusty. Maybe your weight isn’t quite right yet. Maybe you’re better after wrestling all day as opposed to one match. Maybe you and your opponent weren’t even the top guys and now you have your shot at the top guy. I also like that we get some good folkstyle primers before the college season hits. Once we get to November it’s just overloaded with open tournaments and random duals. October is the perfect time for the future of the sport to get their own spotlight. In other words, no shine is taken off anything. 

It seems the high school to college recruiting forecasts and announcements get earlier and earlier every year. When should I start paying attention? Burger King of Kings 

You don’t stop paying attention. You don’t even sleep. Just drink coffee and refresh message boards until your head explodes. 

When will the "Phillies fans save Trea Turner's 2023 season" documentary come out? Do we need to have a watch party? Earl Smith 

Too soon. This column has a loyal Philadelphia fanbase and we do not want to anger them at this time. Look, it was nice that a fanbase as salty and mean as the Philly faithful gave their star shortstop a bunch of juice boxes to get him going. It was cute. I hope they saved some for Jalen Hurts.