Finally I can say it
Caleb will be redshirting this year. Then going up to 157.
Buckle up. Next year is gonna be scary. Especially if Eddie returns.
33 Replies
9mo
The TSL article talks about the returning veterans, recruits, and the incoming players that year. It feels kind of misleading to talk about all of those pieces when talking about the potential for the year when there are only going to be so many featured wrestlers? Many of those pieces will be irrelevant for that year, right? There are only so many starters, only so many who actually wrestle.
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
9mo
But also important to remember that quality depth can be critical in wrestling because significant injuries are not uncommon.
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
9mo
with talent than this year's 149.
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
9mo
and we'll have a promising lineup for the 26-27 season, I don't love this decision.
Caleb is the front runner at 149 this year. Why not ride that hand? Who knows how the jump in weight and another year will go both for him and the competition?
I guess this could allow Caleb to stay on scholarship in school another year to work toward a master's or whatever he ultimately wants to do.
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
9mo
I don't think you make this move unless you are sure it stacks the line up next year. I'd say Cornell is making a similar move grey shirting Knox and their other young guys.
(In response to this post by goodbadugly)
D
dallasvt
9mo
Henson looks small to me for 157.
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
9mo
They have a ton more insight and information. Many factors and perhaps the entire plan aligns with Caleb’s goals. I’m sure they’ve discussed it thoroughly and with the other wrestlers as to line up combinations, etc… But I’m concerned - not sure how I feel about it. Especially if he is moving up to 157. I agree - even though he is an absolute Beast - he “appears small” for 157. I don’t doubt Caleb on his mission. He is the favorite at 149 this year - you never know what may happen at 149 or 157 next year.
(In response to this post by dallasvt)
9mo
The only guy I'm worried about is PJ Duke, and he may be in redshirt.
(In response to this post by 133966Hokie)
9mo
and will still be around next year.
Antrell Taylor (Champ)
Tyler Kasak
Meyer Shapiro
Daniel Cardenas
Plus 2 elite current Soph right behind them both certainly capable of winning it all.
Ty Waters
Kannon Webster
Doesn’t even consider guys like Jackson Arrington.
Plus the aforementioned possibility of PJ Duke (which would bump out Kasak - unless he would transfer).
Caleb can absolutely do it - but that is about as stacked a weight class as I’ve even seen at the top elite. Whoah. Be fun for sure.
No guarantees at 149 of course anyway - got SVN for 2 more years plus a bunch of guys capable of beating the Hitman on their best day.
I like Henson at 149 and Bo Bassett at 141. No idea if Bo can go 141 next year. Heard both 141/149 - so a mixed bag.
(In response to this post by Hikinghokie)
9mo
Shapiro does some unique things, and Arrington will have multiple shots, but I just think Henson is just better to be perfectly honest. SVN is also a pretty unique challenge staying at 149.
Duke is scary good, and only going to get better. There's a lot of talk that he might go this year before he outgrows 157, and then redshirt behind Mesenbrink next year.
(In response to this post by 133966Hokie)
9mo
Said in their discussions about it with VT, VT’s current plan for next year is for Henson to go 149 and Bo 141. Lot of variables and factors - including wanting to see how this year goes (esp Crook/Gaj/Ninninger/Burton). Does Bo outgrow 141 is another variable.
(In response to this post by Hikinghokie)
9mo
125- Eddie
133- Seidel
141-Crook
149- Bo Bassett
157- Caleb Henson
165- Burton/Gaj/Nininger/Church/Weader/Henrich
174- Desiante
184-?? Maybe Gage? a transfer? Or somebody else bumps? Would have been real nice for TJ to have worked out
197- Sasso
285- Big Jimmy Mullen
Really only one hole from that you can project right now. 3+ legit title contenders, and 9 guys that could potentially AA.
Gorman, Nininger and Gaj, if he can make it, fight it out for the 149 spot this year. No sense redshirting with the way the lineup looks next year.
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
9mo
Slide Burton to 174, and then still have a big competition for 165?
I don't mean to anoint guys, but Gaj-Burton-Desiante would be a really nice combo from what I've seen of that group. Hell, Church is still the guy until somebody beats him.
(In response to this post by Hikinghokie)
9mo
With Bo now at 141. And make a team trophy push next season
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
9mo
Wonder if PJ Duke will be a 157 starter in 2027. Is Henson still planning to drop down in weight for the Olympics?
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
H
HokieRat
9mo
Don't think Swiderski goes 157
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
9mo
Mesenbrink has 2 more years at 165. Best case for him is PJ and him swapping redshirts, and then one of them bumping post-Mesenbrink.
(In response to this post by HokieRat)
H
HokieRat
9mo
(In response to this post by Hikinghokie)
9mo
Nobody beind him and nowhere to go.
(In response to this post by HokieRat)
9mo
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
R
RJHokie
9mo
(In response to this post by AirborneHokie96)
9mo
Robie already said his medical redshirt has been approved.
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
D
donjfs3
9mo
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
9mo
Counting his greyshirt year, Eddie's been dealing with the grind of college wrestling for a long time. Maybe the coaches will put him on a pitch count to help entice him back for a team run at the podium.
(In response to this post by Nafeikoh)
9mo
The pitch count strategy seems to work well for veteran guys that benefit from a bit less wear and tear. There aren't many guys that can hang with Eddie when he's feeling good.
(In response to this post by samistone)