The 197-pound weight class isn't getting a terribly strong infusion of redshirts next season. This group is largely represented by guys who have been on the outside looking in at a starting job. But many, if not most of them, will find themselves in the lineups next year for their respective schools. 

Derek White - Nebraska - 2016-2017 Eligibility Year - Redshirt Sophomore

Record: 8-3

The Huskers will be in a similar predicament next year with Derek White. Sitting behind two-time round-of-12er Aaron Studebaker, it will be tough to see a scenario where White starts without marked improvement. Their results are comparable, but Studebaker has notched a few more elite wins than White and is a bit more proven.

That said, White has knocked off Nate Rotert, Phil Wellington and Hayden Hrymack. Studebaker’s ascent has been a surprise and puts Nebraska in a position that I’m not sure they originally anticipated when they recruited White. Studebaker could potentially go 184 lbs; however, there’s a slight roadblock in TJ Dudley. Neither probably have the size to go up to 285 lbs, either. White, in my opinion, is the most talented guy on the bench at this weight. If something happens to Studebaker, he’ll step in and be more than adequate.

White had a tight one against All-American Brett Harner:

Rocco Caywood -- Army | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year - Sophomore

Record: 16-3

The graduation of four-time NCAA qualifier Bryce Barnes will open a door for Army’s Rocco Caywood. He spot-started for Army at times, but will likely get the nod next year from Coach Ward and crew. Caywood notched wins over Chip Ness and Kollin Moore this year, and his notable losses were to very solid guys in Ness and Mattiace. Army looks to be in good shape at 197 lbs for the next few years.

Malik McDonald -- North Carolina State | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year - Redshirt Sophomore

Record: 13-6

Michael Boykin’s days as a 197-pounder are done. He will likely move up to 285 next year, so it's possible that he'll redshirt. Regardless, McDonald’s path to the starting spot looks pretty clear.

McDonald made a name for himself this year after a loss he took to J’Den Cox. J’Den needed to pin or tech McDonald for Missouri to have a chance to win, and McDonald fought like crazy to avoid bonus and did his job. In addition to gutting that match out, McDonald took out a very tough Jeric Kasunic this year.  

Lance Benick -- Arizona State | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year - Redshirt Freshman

Redshirt Record: 4-4

There’s not a whole lot to say here. If it weren’t for Benick’s super-high pedigree and credentials out of high school, he wouldn’t be in this report. This season, he went an uninspiring 4-4, notching a win over Jake Tindle while losing to Murtha, Striggow, Head and Kasunic.

Benick will be the guy at 197 lbs next year for Arizona State. Given the partners and coaches there, I could see Benick improving and eventually working his way into the rankings next year.

Kollin Moore -- Ohio State | 2016-2017 Eligibility Year - Redshirt Freshman

Redshirt Record: 19-4

The early word out of Ohio State was very optimistic about the abilities of Kollin Moore. He was turning heads right away since arriving on campus at Ohio State. While redshirting at 197 lbs, he had a very strong showing as evidenced by his 19-4 record. His only relevant win was over Frank Mattiace, but he fell to tough competition: Josh Dasilveira, Phil Wellington, Rocco Caywood and Ryan Woulfe. However, none of those losses really register as something to worry about for the future.  

Ohio State has a vacancy with the graduation of Mark Martin, and will likely call upon Moore next year at 197 lbs. My understanding of Moore is that he’d be an 84/97 for the Buckeyes, but I don’t see any reason for the Buckeyes to cut him down.