UNI's Parker Keckeisen is a MAC champion with an undefeated record (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com)Freshmen have made huge impacts in recent years at the NCAA Wrestling Championships.
And it definitely could happen again at this year's NCAA Championships in St. Louis.
Freshmen have only had limited mat time during this pandemic shortened season, but a number of newcomers are capable of finishing high on the podium.
A number of this year's top college freshmen have already excelled on the world stage at the age-group levels. That experience is so valuable and important when dealing with the pressure of the three-day NCAA tournament.
There isn't quite the star power of recent freshman classes, but there are still some excellent wrestlers in this class.
Carter Starocci defeated Nebraska's Mikey Labriola in the Big Ten semifinals (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com)1. Carter Starocci (Penn State, 174)
Starocci may be the best of Penn State's stable of standout freshmen. He has the potential to win it all and follow a path similar to Mark Hall for the Nittany Lions. Starocci looks to have a complete skill set. He's talented, skilled and wrestles hard. Look for him to battle top-seed Michael Kemerer of Iowa again and expect a great match if it happens.
2. Sam Latona (Virginia Tech, 125)
Latona has had a fabulous first season for the Hokies. He secured the No. 2 seed at NCAAs after winning the ACC title. He has made significant gains this season and definitely has a shot to make the finals in a weight class that is led by heavily favored Spencer Lee of Iowa. Latona (10-0) is among numerous wrestlers battling for a title shot.
3. A.J. Ferrari (Oklahoma State, 197)
Ferrari looked superb in being named Outstanding Wrestler after winning a Big 12 title. He's a driven and confident wrestler who will not back down from anybody. He is 15-1 and peaking at the right time. The 197 class is fairly wide-open and Ferrari is a guy who looks capable of excelling when the stakes are highest. It will be interesting to see how he fares.
4. Parker Keckeisen (Northern Iowa, 184)
Keckeisen has continued UNI's strong tradition of standouts at 184 pounds, following in the footsteps of NCAA champion Drew Foster and four-time NCAA qualifier Taylor Lujan. Keckeisen earned a hard-fought 5-3 win over Wyoming's Tate Samuelson in the Big 12 finals. Keckeisen is 13-0 this season and is definitely capable of placing high in his first national tournament.
ASU's Cohlton Schultz won a Pac-12 title (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)5. Cohlton Schultz (Arizona State, 285)
Schultz is another wrestler who has already wrestled in his share of big matches, He is a Cadet world champion and Junior world silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling who is expected to contend for a spot on the Olympic Team. Schultz is 12-0 in his first season with the Sun Devils, who have their sights set on earning a team trophy.
6. Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State, 285)
Kerkvliet is another young standout who excelled at the age-group levels. He was a Cadet world champion and Junior world silver medalist. He will be a tough matchup for anyone he faces in a very deep heavyweight class. Kerkvliet finished fourth at Big Ten's, but his only losses were to wrestlers ranked second and third in the country.
7. Lucas Byrd (Illinois, 133)
Byrd looked very good in the Big Ten tournament. He is a gritty, hard-nosed competitor. He lost a close battle to All-American Austin DeSanto of Iowa before coming back to place third. He defeated another top freshman, Northwestern's Chris Cannon, 7-1 in the match for third. Byrd takes an 11-2 record into the national tournament.
8. Keegan O'Toole (Missouri, 165)
Missouri rolled to its 10th straight MAC team title and O'Toole was one of four champions for the Tigers. O'Toole has scored his share of bonus points and that could be key for a Missouri team that qualified all 10 wrestlers. O'Toole is a perfect 13-0 this season.
9. Chris Cannon (Northwestern, 133)
Cannon has put together a solid season. He will take an 8-2 record into NCAAs after placing fourth in a loaded weight class at the Big Ten tournament. Cannon is someone who can put points on the scoreboard and is fun to watch compete.
Missouri's Rocky Elman is 11-0 heading into the NCAAs (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com)10. Rocky Elam (Missouri, 197)
The Tigers have another tough newcomer in Elam, a prized recruit who captured a MAC title. He's another big bonus point scorer for Missouri. Elam could be a factor in a 197 class that is fairly wide open. He has compiled an 11-0 record this season after bumping up a weight class.
Other notable freshmen ...
Jaden Abas (Stanford, 149)
It's no surprise to see the talented Abas making a big impact. He will look to add to his family's impressive history of success in this tournament. He has compiled an 8-2 record in his first varsity season. He won a Pac-12 title and could make a big splash in St. Louis.
John Poznanski (Rutgers 184)
Poznanski made a huge impact during this shortened season. He went 7-2 at 184 with five wins over ranked opponents. He is peaking at the right time after an impressive third-place finish at Big Tens. He earned a No. 6 seed for the NCAA Championships.
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