Both of these mentioned Japanese wrestlers won World Titles this year. Either would be a huge get.
HS Recruiting News
- Thread starter DEWrestlingFan
- Start date
Was just responding to why we don't bring in more Russians or Iranians. But I could be wrong. Probably am.
Does what he’s accomplished mean he will be national champ or all American potential?
I think all you take out of it is the kid has talent/skill. Will that transfer to folkstyle is unknown. The 3 point takedown def helps this situation I would think though.
Hopefully more of his background than what I can find will come out, for interests' sake. He won the Meiji All-Japan Cup which appears to be one of Japan's toughest domestic tournaments. He was only the second high schooler to ever win the tournament. He lost in the finals of Japan's Senior World Team Trials. He placed 7th at the at the U20 World Championships losing in the quarterfinals. The Macedonian that he lost to lost to Nic Bouzakis in the bronze medal match. It seems as if he is 2 years or more younger than Bouzakis.
Good to see us doing something new and creative.
If you can take people down and escape you can win. Riding is nice, but the other two are essential. Freestyle guys that can escape are threats.
I’m excited about this one cause Japanese wrestlers are usually very very hard working and detailed . Could also open new doors for us over there to get some really good guys . He has a great gas tank and looks quick.
We do have a good history of getting Japanese wrestlers who were standouts although many decades ago (Uetake, Fugita and 2 Hatta brothers) who were all National Champs. Uetake of course was a 3 time NCAA champ and a time Olympic Champ who is considered if not the greatest for sure one of the best wrestlers ever.
Only a sophomore I believe and he won state as a freshman I think. Dad was really good
He’s a junior. Class of 2025. Won at 120 as a sophomore. Got 2nd at 106 as a freshman. Class 3 Missouri. Went 3-2 at Super 32 last year. I bet we see him picking up steam this year.
Quick reset on potential Targets moving forward...What looks right and what is missing?
2024
Cody Merrill
Oscar Williams
Layton Schneider
Gage Walker
2025
LaDarion Lockett
Daniel Cepeda
Isaiah & Elijah Cortez
2026
Jax Forrest
Bo Bassett
2024
Cody Merrill
Oscar Williams
Layton Schneider
Gage Walker
2025
LaDarion Lockett
Daniel Cepeda
Isaiah & Elijah Cortez
2026
Jax Forrest
Bo Bassett
Williams, Schneider & Walker have all committed. Cepeda & the Cortez twins don't appear to be at big need weights. Michael Mocco is also in the '26 class.
Merrill @ 197 is a massive need. Then 157 & 165. There are several available in the '25 class - Bouzakis, Rath, Henckel, Torres, Routledge (someone said he's unlikely though). Lockett is probably a 174, maybe 165.
Must get recruits who have known connections.
2024
Cody Merrill (would be really nice to get some news on this)
2025
Ladarion Lockett
Kody Routledge -Definitely will fill a need at 157/165
*I don't see us getting Kollin Rath or Will Henckel and I'm just guessing Vince Bouzakis will likely follow his brother to Ohio St. Also, Routledge is probably going to be around the same projected weight at Bouzakis, but is he OU bound???
2026
Jax Forrest
Bo Bassett
Michael Mocco
These are just guys who we have all discussed on here who have connections to the program and we are in the running for. But everyone chime in and add to the list!
2024
Cody Merrill (would be really nice to get some news on this)
2025
Ladarion Lockett
Kody Routledge -Definitely will fill a need at 157/165
*I don't see us getting Kollin Rath or Will Henckel and I'm just guessing Vince Bouzakis will likely follow his brother to Ohio St. Also, Routledge is probably going to be around the same projected weight at Bouzakis, but is he OU bound???
2026
Jax Forrest
Bo Bassett
Michael Mocco
These are just guys who we have all discussed on here who have connections to the program and we are in the running for. But everyone chime in and add to the list!
I would keep an eye on Ignacio Villasenor (27) from Colorado. He was a member of the world team. Them and Locketts seem pretty close. He had a legit shot at winning super 32 but was injured in the quarterfinals I think
Villasenor is a big OKST fan. he wears their gear all the time.
2024
J.J. McComas
Rin Sakamoto
Cody Merrill
2025
Kaden Purler
LaDarion Lockett
Vince Bouzakis
Kollin Rath
William Henckel
Claudio (?) Torres
Kody Routledge
Daniel Cepeda (?)
Isaiah & Elijah Cortez (?)
2026
Jax Forrest
Bo Bassett
Michael Mocco
2027
Ignacio Villasenor
J.J. McComas
Rin Sakamoto
Cody Merrill
2025
Kaden Purler
LaDarion Lockett
Vince Bouzakis
Kollin Rath
William Henckel
Claudio (?) Torres
Kody Routledge
Daniel Cepeda (?)
Isaiah & Elijah Cortez (?)
2026
Jax Forrest
Bo Bassett
Michael Mocco
2027
Ignacio Villasenor
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2024 Merrill 2025lockett 2026 Forrest. That’s it in high school big recruits Maybe Raynes The rest needs to be portal guys they will get some fill in cheap high school guys
We will get a Ignacio
