141 Pounds:
The Favorites:
No. 1 Kellen Russell, Junior (Michigan), Record: 33-0
Russell had arguably the most impressive season of any individual wrestler this year. The Big Ten champ went undefeated on the season while wrestling in the loaded Big Ten 141-pound class. The Wolverine junior owns a pair of wins against No. 2 Mike Thorn (Minnesota) and No. 4 Jimmy Kennedy (Illinois). Along with that, Russell has also defeated No. 4 Boris Novachkov (Cal Poly) and 2010 NCAA runner-up Montell Marion (Iowa). To make the Michigan grappler's record even more impressive is his three victories over No. 6 Andrew Alton (Penn State). Now Russell's main test is seeing if he can continue his winning ways in Philadelphia.
No. 2 Mike Thorn, Senior (Minnesota), Record: 34-4
Thorn took his talents to a new level this season, and has now become a big favorite to push for the crown in Philadelphia. The Minnesota senior was the Big Ten runner-up this year and owns wins over No. 5 Montell Marion (Iowa), No. 6 Andrew Alton (Penn State) and No. 11 Cole Von Ohlen (Air Force). Thorn's aggressive offense makes him dangerous from any area on the mat. Couple that in with three competitive losses to Russell, and he has all the tools to make a run at nationals.
No. 3 Boris Novachkov, Senior (Cal Poly), Record: 27-1
Novachkov has been the forgotten 141-pounder with the focus being on the loaded Big Ten. The Pac-10 champion boasts and impressive record with his lone loss coming to Russell back in December, 3-2. The Cal Poly senior owns a win over No. 7 Tyler Nauman (Pittsburgh) and No. 9 Zack Bailey (Oklahoma). His draw is favorable to the semifinals where he could meet Thorn, but Novachkov has shown the ability to stick with anyone.
No. 4 Jimmy Kennedy, Senior (Illinois), Record: 17-4
The Fighting Illini senior missed part of the season with an injury, but he has come back on a tear. Kennedy's quick footwork and exceptional ability to turn defense into offense will serve him well at nationals. He owns victories over No. 5 Montell Marion (Iowa), No. 6 Andrew Alton twice (Penn State) and No. 8 Todd Schavrien (Missouri) on the season.
No. 5 Montell Marion, Junior (Iowa), Record: 9-3
Marion's record is nothing to do a double-take on, but the 2010 NCAA runner-up has the experience and talent to make another run at the title. Two of the Hawkeye individual's losses are in sudden victory to Russell and Thorn, but he also owns a win over Thorn and No. 6 Andrew Alton (Penn State). He might be the most athletic wrestler at the 141-pound weight class and will put himself in position to win any match in Philadelphia.
Others to watch:
No. 7 Tyler Nauman, Junior (Pittsburgh), Record: 23-3
No. 8 Todd Schavrien, Senior (Missouri), Record: 26-6
No. 9 Zack Bailey, Senior (Oklahoma), Record: 24-3
Predicted Winner: Mike Thorn (Minnesota)