Getting pretty excited to see the schedule dates get pinned down and start the season. ACCC in JP will be a lot of fun. Here is my run down of random thoughts at each weight.

Latona: Very excited to see if he can continue the run. Weight management will be the challenge. Last year he was the star and had one of those once in a lifetime seasons. IMO if he is focused and can avoid weight loss exhaustion he is a #4-#6 guy.

Myers: If it weren't for Latona, I think there would be much talk about Myers' performance throughout last year. He showed a lot of confidence and savvy skill. From a technical standpoint, he was one of the best Grapplers to watch and my favorite to watch (yes even more so than BA for me just because it was so clinical). He got the AA monkey off and I expect him to continue letting it fly. IMO he is a #3-#4 guy.

Hillegas: Still a question mark since we haven't had much info on him since last year. History says strong guys on top do well so if he can add some attacks, get better on bottom, and clean up those underclassmen mistakes he can take a big step this year, I think he should be ranked #25.

Andonian: Don't ever blink. He was oh so close to Gold at JWs. Such raw talent - but needs some discipline. He needs to show that he can control a match from start to finish. IMO I think he is hungrier this year after NCAAs and will take a nice step forward. IMO he should be ranked #6. NOTE: My favorite non-VT guy is Yianni to watch - dude has the whole package in spades.

Brady: He wrestled a lot of quality guys last year - let's see what he does with that experience this year. IMO should be at #20-#22.

165: I have no idea. Is 165 Ulrey/other 174 Mekhi greater than 165 Mekhi 174 Howard/other? At first I wouldn't think so, but closer evaluation says yes. This class is so tough at the podium level and above. I would be ecstatic to qualify someone at this weight.

Lewis: I am praying and hoping like everyone else he is 100%. I think he is ready to get back in the groove - I can only imagine how hard that was to MF the quarters last year. I think the extra 9 lbs will do wonders for Lewis and ultimately he will find 174 an easier path than 165 especially at the podium levels. He should be #3-#4, but I know everyone is waiting to see if healthy. NOTE: How crazy is it that he is entering his 5th year in the program as a Sophomore?!?!

Bolen: Until Myers last year, Bolen was my favorite Grappler to watch with such a business like manner and focus in each match. Unflappable. But TBH I am a little worried about him. After the pandemic season ending a magical season for him and last year, where he seemed, well, just plain tired, I have this fear he is mentally and physically exhausted and could be our next Epp or Sully. I hope I am wrong because if anyone deserves to wrestle and earn a Top 4 podium finish it is this guy.

Smith: I think Smith will be the surprise guy of the year for sure. He showed some real moments of brilliance and has continued to show strong development post season. IMO he will start taking out the ACC guys in front of him this year. IMO he is a #15-#18 guy.

Traxler: Sounds about right to me. Nothing to add here until we see him go in a VT singlet.
[Post edited by Hokie Flyer at 09/06/2021 7:13PM]