NCAA Prospect Rankings

Sammy Sasso Takes The Crown At 149

We have come up to 149 pounds in our prospect rankings, and this is a weight we really love, starting right at the top. Sammy Sasso, no matter where he ultimately falls on the senior Big Board, is a kid that college coaches were enamored with before he committed to Ohio State. He has a great folkstyle feel, and his straight-leg defense to a cradle is one of the most recognizable moves in high school wrestling right now.

Beyond that, another cradle master in Jaden Abas comes in #2. Abas just won his first California state title last weekend. Sam Hillegas goes for his second straight PA state title this weekend, and Beau Bartlett won his second National Prep title a few weekends ago. Bartlett's teammate Escalera first caught my eye at Fargo and was perhaps the guy who impressed me the most at NatPreps.

The next five spots provide excellent depth, with cradle machine Trevor Mastrogiovanni, multiple-time Fargo All-American Alex Lloyd, and Super 32 champ Mason Phillips all bunched at #6 through #8. Phillips proved he wasn't just a Greco master at Super 32 with his Russian ties and throw-bys.

A number of strong freshmen could soon make this list, led by Ryan Franco. But guys like Ryan Sokol, Joel Vandervere, Henry Porter, and Carter Young all have caught our eye early on in their high school careers.

Please remember that these are prospect rankings and not the same as the high school weight class rankings. Wins and losses play a part, but this is more about the long-term potential for these young men. If you have any questions or concerns, please DM @wrestlingnomad on twitter or e-mail me at Daniel.lobdell@flosports.tv.