Illinois Top College Recruits

[MR TWISTER]

By Andre’ Morgan
Illinois Matmen Staff

Land of Lincoln continues to produce top collegiate talent with 2009 class

Since the class of 2005, Illinois wrestling seniors have stepped up their game each year and produced some of the top wrestling classes in the country. There is no reason to believe that the class of 2009 won’t continue that tradition.

Led by the big three of Illinois wrestling: Tony Ramos, Jon Morrison and Jimmy Chase, the top seniors in Illinois feature seven current or former high school All-Americans in the top ten. Well versed in the International styles of wrestling, Illinois is in the midst of a serious three peat in folkstyle / greco national titles which were paced by eight of the top ten wrestlers in the state.

Last year Illinois was the first team to win the National Championship at the Junior Duals in both Greco and freestyle. In 2008 Team Illinois achieved the double-double again, winning back-to-back National Championships in both styles. Illinois became the first team to win 3 consecutive titles since it became a national event, and both teams were in the finals for the last 3 years. Another FIRST may be the most impressive – the Junior freestyle team became the first team EVER to win the national title and win the team national sportsmanship award in the same year.

In conclusion if a wrestler has Illinois attached to his name, he is a force to be dealt with.

Top Recruit
» Tony Ramos
Glenbard North H.S., Carol Stream, IL
Projected college weight: 125/133
Background: Tony is a 3x All State, 2x state champion for the Panthers who teamed with his brother Vince (Indiana) to share individual championships last Feburary at the state finals. A 3x Fila National Champion, a 2007 Ironman Champion and a member of The Clash All tournament team indicates Tony’s fondness for the top podium step.
What makes him #1: Ranked #12 in the nation by Intermat. One of the tightest races for the top wrestler in Illinois in recent years, head to head victories over number two Jon Morrison plus a second state title vaulted Tony to the top spot in Illinois.
What makes him a top recruit: The most physical light weight in the state and it is not unusual to see an exhausted, bloodied and bandaged Tony following his matches.Tony is known for his grind it out physical style which will be perfect for his future coach Tom Brands and the defending NCAA national champions Iowa. Many college coaches have stamped Ramos as a potential NCAA champion.
Where he is committed: Iowa – also considered Oklahoma State and Indiana

» Jon Morrison
Carl Sandburg H.S., Orland Park, IL
Projected college weight: 125
Background: One of the best ever in Illinois, Jon’s toughness and ability to win close low scoring matches is legendary in Illinois. The defending 119 state champ is a 2x All State wrestler who is also prolific in the International style. Jon returns for his senior campaign as an Asic’s All American where he placed second in the freestyle national championship this summer.
What makes him a top recruit: Ranked #11 in the nation by Intermat. The most nationally experienced and decorated wrestler in the 2009 senior class Jon has a strong work ethic. That alone will endure Jon to his future coach and legendary wrestler John Smith of Oklahoma State. Always a winner from the top public school program in Illinois, Jon finds a way to get to the championship matches.
Where he is committed: Oklahoma State – also considered Wisconsin and Northwestern

» Jimmy Chase
Glenbard North, Carol Stream, IL
Projected college weight: 133
Background: Captured his first state title (130) with only 9 wins after returning in January 2008 from ACL reconstructive surgey. Jimmy’s magical season continued when he almost claimed a spot on the U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman team and is considered a solid future Olympian. Jimmy is a member of the Junior Greco World team, the Fila Greco (55kg) National Champion and a 2x h.s. Asic All American.
What makes him a top recruit: Ranked #25 in the nation by Intermat. Battle tested on the highest of national stages Jimmy returns for his senior year as a h.s. All American. Chase is a favorite to capture his second state title and a national Greco championship.
Where he is committed to: Binghamton – also considered USOEC

» Ellis Coleman
Oak Park – River Forest, Oak Park, IL
Projected college weight; 66 kg. / 133 / 141
Background: Ellis is a Cadet Greco National Champion (2007) and national finalist in 2008 Asic All American. Along with Lillishawn, his graduated brother, Ellis has led a resurgence of the Oak Park wrestling program with two All State finishes.
What makes him a top recruit: Ellis has an in your face non stop aggressive style of wrestler. Naturally talented and a very explosive wrestler with pinning ability Ellis’ future may well be on the International mat as a future Greco – Roman Olympian. Where he’s looking: United States Olympic Education Center

» Carl Foreside Jr.
Montini Catholic H.S., Lombard, IL
Projected college weight: 184 / 197
Background: A two year starter for the defending AA state champ Broncos, Carl marched right into the state finals and gave the state champ Jordan Blanton all he could handle before bowing out 8-6. Carl’s signature duck under to a body lock throw known as the “Shake and Bake” in the Bronco’s room is an instant crowd pleaser and a fear for anyone he wrestles.
What makes him a top recruit: A three sport star (football, volleyball) at Montini, Carl has tremendous quickness and strength. Solid in the classroom and a lifetime wrestler Foreside’s upside is as large as his 6’ 4” frame.
Where he’s looking: Lindenwood, Oklahoma State, Old Dominion, Newberry

» Bobby Barnheisel
Fenwick Catholic H.S., Oak Park, IL
Projected college weight: 149 / 157

Background: With a career 125-13 record, Barnheisel is an All State wrestler and the son of an All State wrestler Bill (1977-OP-RF). He has also captured two Chicago Catholic League championships and was a Dvorak placer in two of Illinois most prestigious regular season tournaments.
What makes him a top recruit: Ranked nationally by Intermat. A three time h.s. All American including a national freestyle finalist appearance stamps Barnheisel as a must have on any college coaches shopping list. Showcasing a sparkling 3.7 G.P.A. means there are no classroom worries with Barnheisel.
Where he’s looking: Open

» Clayton Kendall
De LaSalle Catholic, H.S, Chicago, IL
Projected college weight: 174
Background: A 2008 All State and Asic All American, Clayton burst on the Illinois wrestling scene with a dominating performance at the Chicago Catholic League championships and followed that up a month later with his first trip to the All State podium.
What makes him a top recruit: A physical specimen whose fluid style and aggressive offensive attack mode makes Clayton difficult to defend and or score on. A solid personal character and hard worker in the practice room will endure Clayton to any college coach.
Where he is looking: Wyoming and Northern Illinois

» Reggie Reed
Bloom Trail H.S., Chicago Heights, IL
Projected college weight: 197
Background: Reggie first walked into a wrestling room as a freshman looking to stay busy after football season and blossomed into a h.s. All American by his junior year . Placed 6th in 08 to make his first All State team, Junior National Greco All American with a 4th in Fargo in 2007, Physical style with lots of throws and upper attacks makes Reggie one of the most dangerous wrestlers in the state. Also All Conference football player who is sitting out his senior season to concentrate on wrestling.
What makes him a top recruit: Reed has very powerful hips and is physically strong enough to compete in a college wrestling room as a freshman. In addition Reed is a top caliber young man, very respectful of his peers and a natural team leader.
Where he is looking: Still open but considering Purdue and Michigan

» Matt Boggess
Prospect H.S., Mt. Prospect, IL
Projected college weight: 141 / 149
Background: All State in 2008 with second place finish after suffering season ending injury in the first minute of the state 135 pound finals match. Matt will be the top returning contender at 140. In your face, physical style but can pin you with 23 pins in 2008 plus 10 tech falls.
What makes him a top recruit: Matt is a great team leader and one of the top wrestling room workers in the state. He picks up new moves and technique very quickly and will adapt to the college style with ease. His relentless training and solid academics make him a coach's favorite. A consistent state title threat, last years injury will serve as a driving force for his senior campaign.
Where he is looking: Illinois, Northwestern

» Mark Marianovich
Marian Catholic H.S. Chicago Heights, IL
Projected college weight: 133 / 141
Background: 3x State Qualifier, 2x sectional champ, 2x All State, 1x NHSCA All American
What makes him a top recruit: Mark has a very physical style, he brings it to you yet is well rounded in top, bottom and neutral positions. His work ethic is what sets him apart from the competition. Injuries have dogged Mark’s career but when healthy there is no better wrestler in Illinois.
Where he is looking: Open

Other Seniors to watch: Mario Gonzales, Justin Farmer, Matt Walters, Isaiah Gonzalez, Seth Milks, Ryan Robinson, Chris Narel, Mark Stenberg, Elias Larson, Jake Wojcik, A.J. Smith, Adam Sheley, Chase O'Deen, John Van Duyne, Alan Tate

Past Top Ten Senior classes:

2005-2006: http://www.intermatwrestle.com/pr/48/recruitsmap.aspx

2006-2007: http://www.intermatwrestle.com/pr/48-2006/index.aspx

2007-2008: http://www.intermatwrestle.com/pr/48-2007/index.aspx

[ljrobby]

Great job Twist bringing some notoriety to our boys!

"Those that can do...those that can't criticize"

[greenlantern]

The rankings are accurate in my opinion but whatever