I was thinking these same things the other day...not specifically about Iowa, but how PSU is getting insane recruiting classes (Their 2024 class has 5 of the top 10 P4P recruits!). I think everything you said is a huge contributor...the success, coaching and RTC. Kids know that if they go to PSU, they're going to win.
That got me to thinking...is there anyone that's not currently a head coach that could compete with this, or out-recruit Cael? It doesn't seem like national team coaches can (KJ, Zeke)...or at least they can't compete if they get top recruits, a la ASU's 2014/15 recruiting class. My thoughts, in no particular order, of coaches that could potentially compete with Cael from a recruiting perspective:
- Ben Askren: From a college wrestling standpoint, I think recruits would be drawn to him, but from an RTC/post-collegiate wrestling career aspect, I don't see him bringing the same value as having Gilman, Nolf, Zain, Snyder and Taylor.
- Jordan Burroughs: Likely the frontrunner in this discussion. His accomplishments would drive recruits to believe they can compete and win in both college and an RTC environment.
- David Taylor: Would he move away from Cael?
- Kyle Dake: I would have thought that if he was the right guy, he would have bumped Grey out of the picture already. Maybe it's a loyalty thing, or maybe it's a "he's a better technical coach than head coach"
- ???
Who else? Whoever it would be would have to be in one of the hot beds with great facilities and an attractive education.
I was thinking these same things the other day...not specifically about Iowa, but how PSU is getting insane recruiting classes (Their 2024 class has 5 of the top 10 P4P recruits!). I think everything you said is a huge contributor...the success, coaching and RTC. Kids know that if they go to PSU, they're going to win. That got me to thinking...is there anyone that's not currently a head coach that could compete with this, or out-recruit Cael? It doesn't seem like national team coaches can (KJ, Zeke)...or at least they can't compete if they get top recruits, a la ASU's 2014/15 recruiting class. My thoughts, in no particular order, of coaches that could potentially compete with Cael from a recruiting perspective: - Ben Askren: From a college wrestling standpoint, I think recruits would be drawn to him, but from an RTC/post-collegiate wrestling career aspect, I don't see him bringing the same value as having Gilman, Nolf, Zain, Snyder and Taylor. - Jordan Burroughs: Likely the frontrunner in this discussion. His accomplishments would drive recruits to believe they can compete and win in both college and an RTC environment. - David Taylor: Would he move away from Cael? - Kyle Dake: I would have thought that if he was the right guy, he would have bumped Grey out of the picture already. Maybe it's a loyalty thing, or maybe it's a "he's a better technical coach than head coach" - ??? Who else? Whoever it would be would have to be in one of the hot beds with great facilities and an attractive education.