Next Iowa champ?

[Interviewed_at_Weehawken]

1 hour ago, Idaho said:

I think he is 20 if I remember correctly..... so their next NCAA champ could come in 2029 if he gets all of his shirts in order. 

Same age as Max Dean last year!

[PortaJohn]

5 hours ago, Idaho said:

I think he is 20 if I remember correctly..... so their next NCAA champ could come in 2029 if he gets all of his shirts in order. 

This is what gives me pause thinking he'll be the next great at Iowa

[JBluegill133]

On 11/29/2022 at 10:12 PM, Hammerlock3 said:

i am with you that there are different types of athleticism, in his case after seeing him in High school a significant amount, he really has to wear guys down before the points come. As much as I admire that, even at a high level in high school the points should sometimes come sorta easily to a guy whose gonna track as an NCAA champion. 

I went back an forth with a friend about how bouzakis would tranlate, because he wrestled with so much power, and the one time I've seen him this year (he was bumped up so maybe unfair) he didn't look great. 

I am not trying to be smug and simplistic with this statement, but everyone in college is strong and in shape, thats not what makes for monster freshmen.

I have wondered the same about Bouzakis myself might've even posted on themat (RIP) about it.  Bouzakis reminds me a lot of how Grajales was in HS.  Extremely strong and able to bully most of his opponents.  College was a different story for Grajales...We will see.

[Hammerlock3]

3 hours ago, JBluegill133 said:

I have wondered the same about Bouzakis myself might've even posted on themat (RIP) about it.  Bouzakis reminds me a lot of how Grajales was in HS.  Extremely strong and able to bully most of his opponents.  College was a different story for Grajales...We will see.

I'm trying not to be a jerk about it but if you are talking about wrestling its necessary, the problem with Bouzakis in the Crook match wasn't the getting beat, it was the quitting. Bumped up or not thats not supposed to happen.

[JBluegill133]

18 hours ago, Hammerlock3 said:

I'm trying not to be a jerk about it but if you are talking about wrestling its necessary, the problem with Bouzakis in the Crook match wasn't the getting beat, it was the quitting. Bumped up or not thats not supposed to happen.

Agreed.  I hope I am completely off on this and when he moves to 133 he is a killer.  Just reminded me of Eric G. when he wrestled.  Athletic violent and strong.  College guys can figure that out pretty quickly.  Again, time will tell.

[BLT]

On 11/29/2022 at 7:15 AM, JVStateChamp said:

If we are looking beyond this year, I think with the depth at 165 with the likes of O'Toole, Carr, Hamiti all being so young Kennedy winning will be a tall task. I am interested to see how the young talent Iowa has brought in produces. Would not be surprised if it were someone like a Kolby Franklin at 197 or a Cody Chittum at 149.

 

For his level of talent I don't see any way Franklin wins a title. AA would be doing good.

[PortaJohn]

4 hours ago, JBluegill133 said:

Agreed.  I hope I am completely off on this and when he moves to 133 he is a killer.  Just reminded me of Eric G. when he wrestled.  Athletic violent and strong.  College guys can figure that out pretty quickly.  Again, time will tell.

Great assessment.  The "strength gap" he enjoyed in high school will be minimized at the college level. He has solid technique. His success will come down to developing on strategy and yes learning on how to get out from bottom at the college level.

 

Edited December 2, 2022 by PortaJohn