HokieDave87

Graham had a few big 3's and Monroeville had a big 4 with Stieber & co.

I'm torn. I want somebody to compete with Penn State but Ok State isn't exactly creating Parity just making it a two horse race.

Yes. VT got dropped off of an internet graphic at one point but in reality they've always been in the mix while he's been uncommitted. Ohio State was almost in his top group originally and sounds like they're back in the picture to some degree. Regarding development VT also has Andonian through 28 at 74kg so Henson, Bryce, and Seidel is a pretty solid group to train with.

Looking as good as he has at 70kg especially with a few 2 day weigh ins in there I think an extra 3 pounds and he'll be fine for a college season.

From what I gather it's a top 3 and 2/3 are standing out with Nebraska being one of those 2. Would not be at all surprised if it's Nebraska.

There's already contact being made before June 15 under the table, and a lot of OV's are happening during September/October. Now we move evaluations back, the big schools still get who they want but the kid who was fringe big 10 now has to wait until the last second to decide on UT Chattanooga or whoever and those schools end up in a tough spot with very little time to know who they can take. Trickle down effect would hurt IMO. The answer should be like any other sport and keep recruiting the kid after a kid commits to reduce de-commitments.

Yeah, it was very evident in both matches that each of them were hesitant. Both SV one TD matches I think.

Heard Rutgers offered him a position

I'm with you. I was pretty neutral on the kid until he talked about VT in his final schools but seeing the hate he gets has pushed me towards defending him and ultimately rooting for him to do well even before that. It's especially weird when you have people celebrating a loss when he's repping team USA.

I just hope Jax doesn't have to miss homecoming for some dumb wrestling tournament

I know VT and Neb are on the short list for Bo. I'm not sure if anybody else is but Ohio State would make sense.

Agreed, Robideau was able to slow Melvin down and stay positionally sound the entire match and that might be the only person I've seen do that to Melvin. Jayden is on Robideau's level though so maybe he could. That's why this match HAS to happen, would be an awesome WNO matchup.

He struggled a bit with weight and injuries junior year. He stopped cutting as much weight and his performance became much better. He's been inches away from a win over Rath on multiple occasions that would probably bump him up into that next tier where you'd be completely sold. Very fair to say you'd want to see a more high level win or two, though he has been dominant against guys like Shaw and Perentin.

James ever so slightly, I think he's gained some strength over the past year in addition to just being an amazing wrestler. I might wake up tomorrow and lean Melvin though he's probably a bit quicker than James.

VT isn't for everybody but if it's your type of place you will fall in love with it immediately. Wrestling program does a great job showcasing the VT wrestling community and the extended community around Blacksburg. I'd agree Seidel is plug and play. His style is perfect for the NCAA rule set, great at mat-wrestling, extremely strong, and neutral danger will help him. Same with Collin Gaj but he needs a year in the weight room, Chance is doing a great job preparing kids for the next level though.

Would be irresponsible for them to not make this match happen

VT isn't broke but we aren't buying our way into the recruiting process. Burton was a great evaluation, he committed when he was a top 50 guy and then had that amazing run that made him a top 10-15 type of guy. OSU threw some cash at him after that but he stuck around for less. On the flip side Iowa threw a bag at CJ Torres after he signed and we just let him go - either couldn't or didn't want to spend more. We fund-raise well but usually overachieve on the recruiting front compared to budget.

That's one of the loopholes I was referring to.

I think there are loopholes that other sports are utilizing to get out of the Deloitte review. I'm sure it's happening in wrestling as well. Also, while money is certainly important I genuinely think he'd rather be at a spot that is the best fit for him. VT would have been eliminated a long time ago if he was just chasing the biggest offer.

The win you mentioned was a one TD win. Zepeda/Noah have been pretty equal their past two matches. I think Bassett has passed Zepeda a bit, but just my opinion based on the matches I've seen. We can agree to disagree

If Wild Turkey is involved VT is the clubhouse leader

Melvin Miller drops a new and interesting top group: OSU Ohio State Nebraska VT Michigan Penn State Ohio state and VT were not on the initial list. Also, Hokies will start visits here soon with three home football games in a row.

At that same tournament Noah Nininger beat Zepeda 6-3. Noah's probably a bit underrated but he's not Blaze, Bassett, etc.

Yep, not saying Henson's unbeatable (well maybe...) but he's not losing to a true 141 who was at 125 not long ago. I'm big on Stanich too I really think he's closed the gap on Mendez. Mendez still the favorite but it's going to be a lot closer if/when they meet again.

If Asics or Rudis wanted to pay him it would be reasonable but last I checked Bob doesn't run a business that would benefit from using a wrestler