Jason McDonnell 13y

Heavyweight: Preview

HWT:

The Favorites:

No. 1 Zach Rey, Junior (Lehigh), Record: 29-1

Rey has been a dominant heavyweight this season, losing only in the EIWA finals to No. 2 Ryan Flores (American), 6-2 in overtime. The Lehigh big man has eight wins over the top-ten this season, including two over Flores. Rey is agile and quick on the mat, which gives him a considerable advantage against some of his larger opponents. Grabbing the No. 1 seed in Philadelphia was important because he won't meet Flores or No. 3 Jarod Trice (Central Michigan) until the finals.

No. 2 Ryan Flores, Junior (American), Record: 22-5

Flores has helped American skyrocket up the polls this season, but more importantly, he has developed a style of wrestling that puts him in great positions during matches to create offense and score off of other's offense. Flores has victories over Rey, No. 4 D.J. Russo (Rutgers), No. 5 Dom Bradley (Missouri) and No. 6 Ryan Tomei (Pittsburgh). Flores should figure into the title race in what is viewed as one of the tougher brackets in the nation.

No. 3 Jarod Trice, Junior (Central Michigan), Record: 26-3

The MAC champion hasn't lost since December 29 against Rey and has beaten some good competition along the way. Trice has wins over No. 4 D.J. Russo (Rutgers), No. 6 Ryan Tomei (Pittsburgh), No. 8 Tony Nelson (Minnesota) and No. 9 Eric Bugenhagen (Wisconsin). The Central Michigan junior is hard to get in on with a lot of lower-body strength and will be hard to topple at nationals.

No. 4 D. J. Russo, Senior (Rutgers), Record: 30-6

Russo's wrestling skills have improved each time he steps onto the mat. He can score form several positions on the mat, which is crucial for a heavyweight to be successful. The Rutger's senior owns wins over No. 5 Dom Bradley (Missouri) and No. 10 Cameron Wade (Penn State). If Russo wants to take home the title though, he may have to solve the riddle of Rey and Flores both en route to a championship.

No. 5 Dom Bradley, Junior (Missouri), Record: 25-3

Bradley is fast on his feet for his size and creates tempo at certain points in matches that can make his opponents uncomfortable. The Big 12 champ has not lost since November 27 when he fell to Rey, 3-2. The Missouri junior will likely need to step up in Philadelphia with Rey and Russo in his half of the draw (Bradley lost to both this season), but if he stays the course and trusts his skills, he could be the one standing at the top when its over.

Others to watch:

No. 6 Ryan Tomei, Senior (Pittsburgh), Record: 28-4

No. 7 Blake Rasing, Junior (Iowa), Record: 17-5

No. 8 Tony Nelson, Freshman (Minnesota), Record: 29-6

Predicted Winner: Zach Rey (Lehigh)

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