Below is a look at the Top 10 high school senior recruits from Maryland's Class of 2011.
Jakob "Bubba" ScheffelHigh School: Southern Garrett
Projected 10-11 High School Weight Class: 171
Projected College Weight Class: 174
Analysis: Winning titles at NHSCA Junior Nationals and two Mount Mat Madness tournaments, Scheffel is perhaps the most accomplished wrestler in Maryland heading into his senior season. He has placed in both styles in the Cadet division at Fargo, but did not attend the championships this past season. A determined wrestler with an excellent cradle, he is going for his third state title after finishing third as a freshman.
2. Patrick Downey
High School: North County
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 189
Projected College Weight Class: 184
Analysis: Downey has not lost a match in Maryland since his freshman year, after transferring from Mt. St. Joseph to public school. Riding a 69-match unbeaten streak, he is on pace to become a three-time undefeated state champion. He has earned All-American honors at several national tournaments with his upper-body style and great hips. Like Scheffel, he is also the quarterback on his school's football team.
3. Lex Ozias
High School: Southern High (Southern-Garrett)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: Ozias raised his stock nationally with his performance at Fargo this summer, earning All-American honors in both styles in the Junior division. Last season, he won a Mount Mat Madness title, Maryland's most prestigious tournament with an aggressive, attacking style fueled by offensive shots. Like teammate Scheffel, he is going for his third state title this winter.
4. Mat Miller
High School: John Carroll
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 165
Analysis: After redshirting a year, Miller captured his first state title last season as well as his first MMM title. He will look to duplicate those efforts this year, utilizing his punishing leg rides and body-scissors with which he's knocked off many nationally-ranked opponents.
5. K.K. Smith
High School: Spalding
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 189
Projected College Weight Class: 184
Analysis: Though he has yet to win a state title, Smith is one of top recruits in the state of Maryland. The two-time state finalist is best known for his explosive double leg, quickness, and raw athleticism which will translate well at the next level. Though still prone to rookie errors in judgment in big matches, Smith has one of the biggest upsides of any Maryland wrestler and is a favorite to win a state title this season.
Mark ColabucciHigh School: Reservoir
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 157
Analysis: Colabucci had a breakout season last year, going 44-0 and winning a state title. Constantly improving, he proved himself to be among the top wrestlers in the state when he defeated Old Mill's two-time state champ Ron Vaughters with some slick and funky moves, including a stud cradle that won him the match.
7. Ron Vaughters
High School: Old Mill
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: A tough, physical bruiser, Vaughters is a two-time state champ, who will be heavily favored to win his third title next season. Known for staying in perfect position, and for his hard nosed, basic style, Vaughters burst onto the high school scene as a freshman and has only gotten better. He could join Scheffel, Downey and Ozias in all claiming their third state championships next season.
8. Bernard Wolley
High School: Seneca Valley
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 215
Projected College Weight Class: 285
Analysis: Maryland has a long history of producing top heavyweight prospects (think, Tom Reese, J.R. Plienis, Mike Faust, Bode Ogunwole, Greg Forbes and DeShawn Barrett, among others). Wolley could be the next in that long line. Last season, he was the surprise winner of a stacked 215-pound state tournament in which he defeated defending champ Mwanza Wamulumba, who has the physique of a body-builder. Wolley used raw power, athleticism and superior balance to take home the title. That skill-set should serve him well with the right coaching at the next level.
9. Charlie Lynch
High School: Spalding
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 140
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Analysis: Tough and skilled, Lynch was one of the most improved wrestlers in Maryland last season, during which he captured his first state title. Lynch will be shooting for a repeat performance, along with a National Prep title, as his team, Archbishop Spalding, emerges as a premiere program in the state.
10. Brady Massaro
High School: Mt. St. Joseph
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: Another wrestler who showed vast improvement last season, Massaro won a state title and earned cadet All-American honors at Fargo. Known for a vicious headlock and an attacking style, Massaro will be difficult to stop this season.
Honorable Mention:
Cole Gallagher (Spalding)
Shane Arechiga (Good Counsel)
Justin Kozera (Winters Mill)
Josh Hamilton (Reservoir)
Tyler Weedon (Catonsville)
Kevin Johnson (Mt. St. Joseph)
Parke Overmiller (Magruder)
Jordan Tolbert (Magruder)
Zach Eure (Parkside)
Connar Zimmerman (La Plata)
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