NCAA Prospect Rankings

Hoagie Leads A Tight Group Of 174 Pounders

Based on the current crop of high schoolers, 174 pounds is one of the most difficult weights to assess for the next level. It's not hard to see Aaron Brooks and Travis Wittlake up at 184, which leaves Trent Hidlay as the man at 174. Following up the NC State commit is one of the nation's best freshman in Alex Facundo, who is already an advanced level talent on his feet.

Carter Starocci and Carson Kharchla are both uncommitted, leaving them as two of the most coveted junior prospects in the nation. Shane Griffith has the frame to grow into 174 and has made offensive jumps every year at Bergen Catholic (NJ). Super 32 champion Dustin Plott will soon be on most fans' radars as he enters that crucial summer before his junior season.

Ohio is top-heavy with prospects, including Kharchla, Rocky Jordan, and Emil Soehnlen. Jordan has an outside chance to start for Ohio State at 174 next year and may be the Buckeyes' long-term plan for that weight either way. Soehnlen split with Cornell commit Julian Ramirez and is headed to Purdue. We didn't even mention freshman Paddy Gallagher, who in a few years may be the guy to continue the legendary All-American streak of St. Edward (Ohio).

Besides Griffith, New Jersey state finalists Robert Kanniard and Michael O'Malley also appear on this list. O'Malley is one of the sneaky good prospects in Drexel's incoming class, and Kanniard recently announced his verbal to Rutgers, keeping one of the Garden State's best juniors at home.

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 email me at daniel.lobdell@flosports.tv.