Recruiting Update & Analysis

Michigan Grappler

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50% OF MI'S TOP 20 RECRUITS ARE ALREADY OFF THE BOARD...

Half of the state's top-20 recruits have now declared their college intentions. This piece details where they have landed and how they fit into the program's future.

#1 Logan Massa, St Johns – University of Michigan

Massa was the class of 2015’s first major name to come off the national recruiting board when he verbally committed to U of M approximately 14 months ago. His stock has rose to even greater heights in the months since, and he is ranked as the #2 overall senior prospect in the country. He will likely begin his collegiate career at 165lbs, but has the frame to eventually get up to 174. It will be very interesting to see when/where Massa makes his debut in the starting lineup as the Wolverines are currently quite crowded at both of those weights.

#4 Lincoln Olson, Davison – Oklahoma State University

Olson announced his intentions to wrestle at Okie State last month following a very impressive summer highlighted by a Junior Freestyle AA finish in Fargo. The country’s #52 recruit, Olson has a lengthy frame and I think he will eventually work his way up to 141lbs. OSU has a wealth of young talent between 133/141, so it will probably take some time for Olson to work his way into the starting lineup. However, when he does, I am expecting great things. He has a ton of athletic upside, and stylistically Olson is an ideal fit for Olympic legend John Smith’s Cowboy program.

#5 Nate Limmex, Grand Rapids CC – Purdue University

Limmex helped usher in a new era for the Purdue program last month when he became new Head Coach Tony Esrland’s first major commitment. He’s ranked #47 overall in the class of 2015, but I believe Limmex would be in the top-25 if not for some untimely injuries that have limited his opportunities to get national exposure. He projects at 141lbs, and looking at the current roster it seems very likely Limmex will start for the Boilermakers as either a true frosh or after a redshirt season.

#6 Devin Skatzka, Richmond – Indiana University

Skatzka came off the board this weekend, committing to wrestle in Bloomington under Michigan legend Nick Simmons who serves as the program’s Associate Head Coach. He’s ranked as the #66 senior prospect in the country, and should have an opportunity to break the Hoosier’s lineup in the near future. Throughout his high school career Skatzka has been a 3-sport star, and I expect him to hit another level once wrestling becomes his year round focus. He projects at 165lbs, but it’s possible he winds up at 174lbs before it’s all said and done.

#10 Mason Smith, Clio – Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois has recruited Michigan better than any other out-of-state program over the past several years, and they got another good one with Smith. He’s ranked as one of the country’s top 150 senior recruits, and has a great top game that will be even more valuable at the next level. Smith may be able to make 125lbs for at least a year or two, but he has the frame to be an adequately sized 133lbr as well. Currently the Huskies aren’t especially deep at either of those weights, so it’s possible Smith could be starting in the near future.

#11 Jacob Cooper, Springport – Michigan State University

Cooper was a huge addition for MSU based not only on his talent, but also team need. He projects at 184/197lbs, weights which are both currently filled with 5th year seniors. The Spartans did add a lot of talented upperweights in last year’s recruiting class, but Cooper is the most accomplished of the bunch and it’s very possible he steps into the starting lineup as a freshman after a redshirt season.

#15 Logan Ritchie, New Boston Huron – Michigan State University

He’s already had plenty of high school success with a state title and over 150 career wins, but Ritchie is an explosive athlete who is still scratching the surface of his potential. He’ll have a few years to develop behind upperclassmen, but I expect Ritchie will eventually develop into a capable starter for the Spartans at 165lbs.

#17 Shane Rodenburg, Kent City – Chadron State College

Rodenburg is an impressive athlete with an upward curve who could very well break the starting lineup at 174/184lbs as a true freshman. He’ll be very competitive right away at the DII level and is very capable of competing for All-American honors down the road.

#18 Logan Griffin, Erie Mason – Michigan State University

Not only is he a 2X state champion, but his status as a probable lifer at 125lbs makes Griffin an especially valuable recruit for the Spartans. He’ll have time to develop, and will likely step into the lineup as an upperclassman after projected 14-15 starter Mitch Rogaliner has graduated.