The Cowboys have six spots to fill off of last season's NCAA championship team. All-Americans Coleman Scott and Nathan Morgan will both move up in weight to 133 and 141, respectively. NCAA champion Johny Hendricks returns for his senior season at 165 pounds, and sophomore Brandon Mason is back at 174 after qualifying for the NCAA Championships a year ago.
Despite the loss of six starters and three NCAA champions, the Cowboys are ranked second in the preseason polls after graduating three former NCAA champions. Minnesota is ranked No. 1, and the Cowboys will wrestle the Gophers in Minneapolis on Dec. 6.
Hendricks is ranked No. 1 at 165 after winning the last two NCAA championships. Scott is ranked third, Morgan is ranked No. 4 and Mason is ranked as high as fifth by W.I.N Magazine. Redshirt freshman heavyweight Jared Rosholt is ranked 13th by W.I.N.
Several Cowboys will have the opportunity to make the lineup for the first time. Juniors B.J. Jackson and Ryan Freeman will compete for the 149-pound spot vacated by three-time All-American Zack Esposito.
As many as four wrestlers will compete for the vacancy at 157. Senior Eric Dabbs, junior Sam Lewnes and sophomore Newly McSpadden all have experience at the weight.
The Cowboys lack experience at 125, 184 and 197. Redshirt freshmen Tyler Shinn and Mike Bizzle will be vying for the opening at 125. Sophomore Jared Shelton is dropping down in weight to wrestle at 184, where he will compete with juniors Jack Jensen and Brent Parkey. Juniors Chaz Cointment and Jake Duke are competing at 197, while freshman Carl Hines may be in the mix as well.
The coaching staff will use the Orange and Black dual to help determine the lineup for their season opening dualagainst California-Davis on Nov. 12 at 2 p.m.
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