Hepner isn't small. He pushes 190 in the offseason and is tall for 165. That said he can't beat any of the guys above him and likely isn't strong enough either.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FW1oncMXgAQRZmr?format=jpg&name=900x900
Sorry, I couldn’t use crayons and pictures for you. We’re talking Hoffman. He likely wasn’t beating Geog and he knew it. You’re correct about his best chance to AA is at 184. I think it’ll be tough for OSU to AA at 197 regardless of who’s wrestling.