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Discussion Topic: Kent State Lineup
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on October 2, 2008
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Spent some time perusing their roster to see what their lineup might look like. Here's the possible starters with likely backups in parentheses)
125: Nic Bedelyon (Steve Mitcheff, Troy Opfer)
133: Dan Mitcheff
141: Drew Lashaway (Chase Skonieczny, Marcel Clopton)
149: Clint Sponseller (Marcel Clopton)
157: Mallie Shuster (Thom Windom)
165: Obie Simpson (James Myers)
174: Chris Estep (Keith Witt)
184: Dustin Kilgore
197: Eric Chine (Mike Blackwell, Adam Cogar)
285: Jermail Porter (Brendan Barlow)
Comments: Jake Kyle is no longer listed on roster. He appeared to be a future core middlewt. First three weights look very tough. Sponseller and Lashaway are both listed at 141 but I can't imagine one of them not moving up to take 149 as there's really no one else--unless Shuster goes that weight. Shuster appears near certain to start at 149 or 157. Given the roster issues, it would appear he'd go the higher wt unless Thom Windom is ready to start. Keith Witt could easily start as well if he's ready to pick up where he left off at end of last season. Chine and Kilgore are both listed at 184 but I have to believe Chine--who's always looked big at 184--goes up and takes the spot from Blackwell...or does he? Blackwell was 25-12 last year and an MAC runnerup. Cogar likely redshirts then takes over at 197 the following season as Chine and Blackwell are both seniors. Jermail Porter comes into season ranked 6th nationally. Barlow a quality 285 who waits in the wings for one more season. Kent has strong lower and upperwts but their middle needs shoring up over the next few years. They really need to land some good 149, 157 and 165 recruits. Hopefully, Shuster progresses as well as Bedelyon did the previous year. Should be an exciting squad to watch. I really like Bedelyon and Kilgore plus Porter, Chine, Simpson, Sponseller, Lashaway and Mitcheff should all be solid. I look forward to seeing Shuster as well. This team could be poised to have a great tourney season. The talent exists but these guys have to believe in their abilities.
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Discussion Topic: Kent State Lineup
Scott Nicola added to this discussion on October 2, 2008
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Nice lineup with alot of depth throughout. Kent has done a great job of getting NE Ohio studs as well of some out of state gems like Bedlyon and Schuster. Lots of young guys providing depth that will be ready to step in next year and contribute right away. Do any of the young 125's (Bedlyon, Opher, and Mitcheff) grow into 133 when older Mitcheff graduates? I think Bedlyon, Mitcheff, Kilgore, and Porter all have potential to make noise at NCAA.
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Discussion Topic: Kent State Lineup
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on October 3, 2008
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Good question, Scott. I think Bedelyon probably moves up to 133 when Mitcheff finishes and either S. Mitcheff or T. Opfer slides into 125. You'll see Skonieczny take over @141 next season and, as it currently stands, it could be Clopton at 149.
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Discussion Topic: Kent State Lineup
Dan Cosimi added to this discussion on October 3, 2008
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I'm between classes right now but I skimmed the first post.
I heard that Jake Kyle accepted a coaching position in southwest Ohio (LaSalle?).
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Discussion Topic: Kent State Lineup
Josh Lowe added to this discussion on October 3, 2008
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Unfortunately Kyle is out of the picture it seems.
Bedelyon is a national top 15 guy, same can be said about Mitcheff and Lashaway.
Kent seems weak in the middle.
Then, they'll be pretty good up top with three national top 15 guys in Kilgore, Chine/Blackwell (Chine has proven more collegiately), and Porter.
Kilgore and Porter are most equipped to become the first AA's for Kent in a long time. Porter a round of 12 guy last year.
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Discussion Topic: Kent State Lineup
Scott Nicola added to this discussion on October 3, 2008
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Discussion Topic: Kent State Lineup
Josh Lowe added to this discussion on October 4, 2008
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And it stretches out their quality, and limits their holes.
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Discussion Topic: Kent State Lineup
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on October 4, 2008
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Of course Chine has to be able to effectively compete at the lower weight class...lest we forget the senior year struggles of Alex Picazo.
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Discussion Topic: Kent State Lineup
Dan Cosimi added to this discussion on October 5, 2008
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Hindsight is 20/20 but it appeared that Picazo was a much more effective wrestler at 184 pounds... of course the Buckeyes had a national champion at that spot so what else could they have done?
I'm not sure where Chine will go but I do know that Jim Andrassy will be talking with me live on OWR Broadcast #1 on November 4. That is one question I will be sure to ask him. We also have 14 phone lines for you to call in with your own questions.
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