Can someone give a read on Carini
Is he someone you slot into that position on day 1 or is he a likely redshirt kind of like Burton?
8 Replies
5mo
I don't think he's ready to start now, but he's got a lot of time to get better. We're saving Burton partially because it'll be good for his development, but partly to get him in the lineup with our incoming studs. Opposite issue for Carini coming in 2 years later- get him in there earlier if he's the best.
(In response to this post by ElbertoHokie)
5mo
Carini will likely redshirt and be the 184.
** Edited by hokietony at 2/18/2026, 1:06:22 PM
(In response to this post by Hikinghokie)
5mo
I agree completely on Burton, but if Carini gets big enough, I could see 184 immediately. We have an immediate need there, and the transfer everyone wants, Jaxon Smith, only has a year. Maybe Gage becomes that dude, or maybe we get a different transfer, but I wouldn't rule him out as a true freshman starter.
(In response to this post by hokietony)
5mo
Coaches won’t know much till he’s on campus.
(In response to this post by ElbertoHokie)
5mo
He was one of only two underclassman to win California states last year at 165. He wrestled up at 190 this year for a single tournament (I think) but looks and wrestles typically at 175. I think if he wrestles at 175 next year as a senior, he could be a day 1 guy at 174. Probably not at 184 as he'd still be growing into that weight to cut down to 184.
Another note - Rocha lost in the state finals last year at 190. Will be interesting to see what he can do at California states this year.
(In response to this post by Hokie9436)
5mo
So thinking carini redshirts and then maybe goes 184 after that if Burton doesn’t.
(In response to this post by Hokie2000x)