10-Man @PackWrestle Recruiting Class Among Nation’s Best
11/16/2015 4:08:00 PM | Wrestling
RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State head coach Pat Popolizio has announced the signing of 10 future Wolfpack wrestlers during the fall signing period.
Nine of the 10 are currently starting their senior campaigns in high school, while the other Pack signee is doing a college prep year. Of the nine in high school, seven are currently ranked in the top-20 - three in the top-10 - in their respective weight class entering their senior seasons. In all, six grapplers have been ranked as a top-100 recruit, regardless of weight class.
"This class is loaded with talent and this is an extremely motivated group of individuals that demand excellence on and off the mat," said head coach Pat Popolizio. "Every single one of these guys fits our mentality and believes in the philosophy of our program. This makes for a very exciting time, as there will be many future All-Americans and National Champions out of this group. They have set their expectations extremely high and will help elevate our program so we can ultimately compete for a national team title.
"Our coaching staff did an outstanding job, working relentlessly, to find student-athletes that are motivated to be National Champions in and out of the classroom. All of these guys have competed at the national level and have proven that they can compete and win. I'm extremely excited to add this group into our program along with the returning wrestlers. Many of these guys have post-collegiate goals in freestyle, which will be instrumental as we continue to build on what we have already established in our Regional Training Center."
*Note: While individual rankings are current available, team rankings are expected to be released within the next two weeks after the signing period has concluded.
Tommy Cox • 125 pounds
Deer Park, N.Y. • Deer Park High School
Prep: Won the 2015 NHSCA Junior Nationals at 106 pounds … Was 3rd in the 2015 NY D1 State Championships in at 106 pounds with a season record of 51-4 … Also qualified for the state championships at 99 pounds in 2014 with a 41-6 record … In 2014, was second at the Super 32 at 106 pounds and 6th at 113 pounds in 2015.
Rankings: Currently ranked 16th nationally at 113 pounds for his senior season by flowrestling.org … Also 15th at 113 pounds by interamtwrestle.com … Also a top-200 recruiting nationally by assocaitedwrestlingpress.com.
Popolizio on Cox:
"Tommy will bring a lot of energy to the program, he is at a needed weight class for us. Finding someone that can compete at this weight for four years in college can be difficult, and we see him being a career 125 pounder. Tommy has won at all levels, and we see him as a guy that will continue to win at the college level."
Popolizio on Cox's wrestling style:
"Tommy brings an aggressive style on his feet and is always looking to score points."
Charlie Lenox • 125 pounds
Erie, Pa. • Fort LeBoeuf High School
Prep: Placed 2nd (at 113 pounds in 2014), 4th (at 106 pounds in 2013), and 6th at 106 pounds in 2012) at the PowerAde Championships … Qualified for the PIAA AAA State Championships in 2015 at 113 pounds and had a 28-7 season record … Qualified for the PIAA AAA State Championships in 2014 at 106 with a 32-9 record … Freshman record of 32-16 … Placed 2nd at the Journeyman Classic in 2015.
Popolizio on Lenox:
"Charlie has a lot of great wins throughout his high school career. I know his senior year will be a breakout year for him, and that will continue once he gets here. He is just beginning to scratch the surface on what he will accomplish, and we look forward to seeing him blossom into a very good college wrestler."
Popolizio on Lenox's wrestling style:
" Chalrlie is aggressive on top, and that has made him dangerous to wrestle and that will help him tremendously in college."
Wade Cummings • 125/133 pounds
Chester Springs, Pa. • Downingtown East High School
Prep: A two-time PIAA 3A state qualifier as a sophomore and junior … As a freshman, went 42-3 at 113 pounds … Was 43-3 at 120 pounds as a sophomore … Junior year, placed fourth at the PIAA 3A State Championships in at 126 pounds and finished with a 49-4 record … Placed 5th at the 2015 Super 32 at 132 pounds with a 7-2 record.
Rankings: Currently ranked 16th nationally at 132 pounds for his senior season by both Flowrestling.org and intermatwrestle.com.
Popolizio on Cummings:
"Wade has a great history with NC State, as he has several relatives that have wrestled here. He takes a lot of pride in being part of the Wolfpack. Wade's work is starting to pay off, as he is climbing in the rankings with several great wins. He is continually improving, and we are excited to watch his development."
Popolizio on Cummings' wrestling style:
"His style of wrestling mirrors a lot of what you need to be successful in college wrestling – an aggressive and physical style."
Kellen Devlin • 133/141 pounds
Amherst, N.Y. • Amherst High School
Prep: A two-time New York D2 State Champion - was first at 126 pounds as a junior and first at 126 pounds as a sophomore … Also placed third at 113 pounds at the NY D2 State Championships as a freshman … Entering his senior season, has a 209-15 career record: 36-1 in 2010-2011, 34-5 in 2011-2012, 46-3 in 2012-2013, 47-4 in 2013-2014, and 46-2 in 2014-2015 (Allowed to wrestling in high school starting in 7th grade in N.Y.) … Was an NHSCA Freshman National Runner-Up at 120 pounds, took third at NHSCA Sophomore Nationals at 126 pounds, and NHSCA Junior National Champion at 126 pounds … Placed fourth at the Eastern State Championships in 2015 at 126 pounds and 6th in 2014 … Second at the 2014 Journeyman Classic in the A Bracket.
Rankings: Currently ranked 18th nationally at 138 pounds by associatedwrestlingpress.com … Ranked the No. 59 overall recruit nationally by FloWrestling.com and No. 88 by intermatwrestle.com … Also a top-150 recruit by Associatedwrestlingpress.com.
Popolizio on Devlin:
"We've been watching Kellen for a few years and we have always been impressed with his athleticism and his will to win. He brings an outgoing attitude and will add a lot of excitement to our program. Being a multiple sport athlete has given him a great background of athleticism, but once he is able to focus on wrestling full-time he will make tremendous improvements."
Popolizio on Devlin's wrestling style:
"He has a wide open style of wrestling and is very explosive. Kellen can score from any position."
Tariq Wilson • 133/141 pounds
Steubenville, Ohio • Steubenville High School
Prep: A three-time Ohip State D2 place winner … Placed second as a junior at 120 pounds with a 49-1 season record … Was also second as a sophomore at 113 pounds and a 49-2 record … As a freshman, took sixth at 106 pounds with a 48-8 season record … Placed eighth at the 2015 FloNationals at 120 pounds … Went undefeated at the NHSCA Duals in 2015 and the Disney Duals in 2014.
Rankings: Currently ranked 20th nationally at 126 pounds for his senior season by FloWrestling.com … Ranked as a top 150 recruit by assocaitedwrestlingpress.com.
Popolizio on Wilson:
"Tariq is a great young man that has continued to progresses throughout his career. He has produced some big wins, and we expect him to have a breakout senior year. He has a great attitude, and mentality that is going to translate to the collegiate level."
Popolizio on Wilson's wrestling style:
"Tariq has a great style for collegiate wrestling, he is exciting to watch wrestle. He can score from a variety of ways on his feet, and is very tough from the top position."
Chris Diaz • 141/149 pounds
Lawrenceville, Ga. • Archer High School
Prep: A three-time Georgia 6A state finalist … Was state champion as a senior, claiming top honors at 132 pounds with a record of 62-3 … Was runner-up as both a sophomore and freshman … Went 54-5 at 126 pounds as a sophomore and 58-4 as a freshman … Placed second at the NHSCA Junior Nationals (132 pounds), 2nd at the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals (126 pounds), and 3rd at the NHSCA Freshman Nationals (132 pounds) … Was fourth at the PowerAde Championships in 2014 … Fifth at the KC Stampede in 2014 and 2013 … In 2014, was a Southern Slam Champion and he also placed seventh at the Red Schmitt Holiday Classic in 2012.
Rankings: Currently ranked 18th nationally at 138 pounds for his senior season by FloWrestling.org … Also ranked 20th at 145 pounds by Intermatwrestling.com … Ranked the 96th overall recruit in the country by FloWrestling.org and the 99th recruit by Intermatwrestle.com, … Also a top-150 recruit by Associatedwrestlingpress.com.
Popolizio on Diaz:
"Chris knows what it takes to win, as he has been winning at a high level his entire life. Both his high school and club programs have been some of the best in the country. Being part of such a great tradition, he knows how important it is to be surrounded by a winning attitude. Chris is an outstanding student and athlete."
Popolizio on Diaz's wrestling style:
"He capitalizes a lot on other people's mistakes and is difficult to score on."
Hayden Hidlay • 149/157 pounds
Lewistown, Pa. • Mifflin County High School
Prep: Has placed at or won just about every tournament in the country … This summer he won the Greco Roman Junior Nationals at 152 pounds and was third in the Freestyle Junior Nationals at Fargo … A double Fargo Cadet National finalist in 2013 in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman … Also placed fifth in Fargo Junior Greco Nationals in 2014 … Was a PIAA 3A State Qualifier as a freshman (27-8 at 113 pounds), placed sixth at the PIAA State Championships his sophomore year (38-5 at 138 pounds), and took third as a junior (43-2 at 145 pounds) … At the King of the Mat Tournament, he placed first in 2014 and 2013, and second in 2012 … Also second in 2014 and fourth in 2013 at the PowerAde Championships … Won the Northeast Regionals five times in the Olympic Styles … Was a FloNational Champion in 2015 at 145 pounds … Placed fourth at the Super 32 at 152 in 2015 and third at 145 pounds in 2014 … Won the Jounreyman Classic A Bracket in both 2015 and 2014 … Competed in FloWrestling's Who's Number One event in 2015 … Won three Freestyle State Championships and four Greco-Roman State Championships … Went undefeated in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman at the East Coast Duals each of the last two years as well as undefeated at the Junior Nationals duals in both freestyle and Greco Roman this year.
Rankings: Currently ranked 3rd nationally at 152 pounds for his senior season by Flowrestling.org and 4th nationally by Intermatwrestle.com … Ranked as the No. 4 overall recruit nationally by Flowrestling.org … The 14th overall recruit by intermatwrestle.com … Also ranked as the 10th overall recruit by AssociatedWrestlingPress.com, and No. 1 at 152 pounds.
Popolizio on Hidlay:
"Hayden will have an immediate impact on our program, as he has proven he is the best wrestler in the country at his weight. He is a true competitor and an outstanding student. The sky is the limit for him accomplishing what he sets out to do at the college level, he is going to win at a very high level."
Popolizio on Hidlay's wrestling style:
"He is very good in all three positions, and can score from any position on his feet. Being good on top is going to make him that much better in college with riding time."
Thomas Bullard • 165/174 pounds
Lawrenceville, Ga. • Archer High School
Prep: Won the NHSCA Junior (152 pounds), Sophomore (145 pounds), and Freshman Nationals (145 pounds) … Also won the Super 32 in 2014 (152 pounds) and was second in 2015 (152 pounds) … A three-time Georgia 6A State Champion (160 pounds in 2015 with a 59-3 record, 152 pounds in 2014 with a 56-1 record, and 145 pounds in 2013 with a 54-7 record) … Won the GMVWA Tournament in 2013 … Placed fourth at the 2014 PowerAde Championships, 3rd at the 2013 KC Stampede, and 3rd at the 2014 KC Stampede.
Rankings: Currently ranked fifth nationally for his senior season by FloWrestling.org at 160 pounds, second at 160 pounds by Intermatwrestle.com, and fourth at 160 pounds byAssociatedwrestlingpress.com … The No. 26 overall recruit in the country by Intermatwrestle.com, No. 29 by Associatedwrestlingpress.com, and No. 49 by Flowrestling.org.
Popolizio on Thomas Bullard:
"Thomas is a fierce competitor and has a tenacious style of wrestling that will continue to be successful at the college level. He as well as his brother Daniel and Chris Diaz, come from great backgrounds as they all have a very good foundation in wrestling at Archer High School. Along with being one of the best wrestlers in the country, Thomas is an outstanding student who constantly is looking to achieve excellence in all aspects of his life."
Popolizio on Thomas Bullard's wrestling style:
"Thomas wrestles an extremely hard pace and his conditioning is a major plus for him. Being a great scrambler and relentless on top will make him very dangerous in college."
Daniel Bullard • 165/174 pounds
Lawrenceville, Ga. • Archer High School
Prep: Won the NHSCA Freshman (138 pounds) and Sophomore Nationals (160 pounds)… Placed third at the NHSCA Junior Nationals (160 pounds) … Was second at the Super 32 at 160 pounds in 2015 and fifth at 160 pounds in 2014 … A three-time Georgia 6A State Champion (170 pounds in 2015 with a 56-1 record, 160 pounds in 2014 with a 56-4 record, and 138 pounds in 2013 with a 58-5 record … Placed second at the KC Stampede in 2013 and 2014 … Was a Southern Slam Champion in 2014 and took second at the Red Schmitt Holiday Classic in 2012 … Won the PowerAde Championship in 2014.
Rankings: Currently ranked fourth nationally for his senior season by FloWrestling.org at 170 pounds, also fourth at 170 pounds by intermatwrestle.com, and ninth at 170 pounds byAssociatedwrestlingpress.com … Ranked the No. 68 overall recruit in the country by Intermatwrestle.com, No. 48 by Associatedwrestlingpress.com, and #53 by Flowrestling.org.
Popolizio on Daniel Bullard:
"Daniel is an outstanding academic student, and one of the top guys in the country wrestling wise. He has grown up competing at every national event there is, and it has prepared him to be successful at the collegiate level. He is ultra-competitive and has an outstanding will to win. Both he and his brother's style of wrestling will be very exciting and it will be fun to watch them competing for NC State."
Popolizio on Daniel Bullard's wrestling style:
"Daniel's competitiveness and will to win, coupled with his great scrambling ability, makes him a winner. He is also tenacious on top."
Michael Rogers • 285 pounds
Spring Mills, Pa. • Wyoming Seminary School
Prep: Curently doing a college prep year at Wyoming Seminary … A National Prep Champion in 2015 at 285 pounds with a 52-3 record … Placed third at the National Prep Championships in 2014 at 195 pounds with a 44-5 record … Was a PIAA AA State Qualifier at 182 pounds with a 35-6 record … His freshman year he went 22-12 at 170 pounds … Placed sixth at the 2015 Fargo Junior Greco Roman Nationals at 220 pounds … Was eighth at the Fargo Junior Freestyle Nationals in 2014 at 285 pounds … Placed third at the Fargo Junior Greco Roman Nationals in 2014 at 220 pounds … Was third at the 2015 FILA Cadet Greco Roman Nationals … Took third at the FILA Cadet Nationals in 2014 … Won the North East Regional Tournament in the Olympic styles five times … A 2015 Prep Slam Champion at 285 pounds … Won the Bethlehem Holiday Classic at 285 pounds in both 2013 and 2014 … Also won the Flo-Excalibur Tournament in 2014 at heavyweight and the 2014 Journeyman Classic at 225 pounds … Was fourth at the Walsh Ironman Championships at 285 pounds in 2014 … Placed 2nd at the Eastern States Classic in 2015 at 285 pounds … Fourth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals at 220 pounds and also fourth at the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals at 195 pounds … Competed at the 2015 UWW Junior Pan Am Championships and placed third in Greco Roman and second in Freestyle, both at 120 kg.
Rankings: Since he is doing a college prep year, he is not in the rankings. But last year, he was a consensus top-10 heavyweight in the country by all the rankings severances … Was also ranked as a top-75 overall recruit by both Interamtwrestle.com and Flowrestling.org.
Popolizio on Rogers:
"Michael is one of the top heavyweights in the country, and comes from a great high school and club program He has competed and won at every level, and is a true competitor who has spent his life traveling the country to seek out the best competition. His credentials, along with being a Pan Am finalist, shows he can win at the highest level.
Popolizio on Rogers' wrestling style:
"He is very athletic for a heavyweight and has good offensive attacks. He will transition into a great collegiate heavyweight."
Nine of the 10 are currently starting their senior campaigns in high school, while the other Pack signee is doing a college prep year. Of the nine in high school, seven are currently ranked in the top-20 - three in the top-10 - in their respective weight class entering their senior seasons. In all, six grapplers have been ranked as a top-100 recruit, regardless of weight class.
"This class is loaded with talent and this is an extremely motivated group of individuals that demand excellence on and off the mat," said head coach Pat Popolizio. "Every single one of these guys fits our mentality and believes in the philosophy of our program. This makes for a very exciting time, as there will be many future All-Americans and National Champions out of this group. They have set their expectations extremely high and will help elevate our program so we can ultimately compete for a national team title.
"Our coaching staff did an outstanding job, working relentlessly, to find student-athletes that are motivated to be National Champions in and out of the classroom. All of these guys have competed at the national level and have proven that they can compete and win. I'm extremely excited to add this group into our program along with the returning wrestlers. Many of these guys have post-collegiate goals in freestyle, which will be instrumental as we continue to build on what we have already established in our Regional Training Center."
| Signee | College Weight | Hometown | FloWrestling Ranking |
| Tommy Cox | 125 | Deer Park, N.Y. | 16th at 113 |
| Charlie Lenox | 125 | Erie, Pa. | |
| Wade Cummings | 125/133 | Chester Springs, Pa. | 16th at 132 |
| Kellen Devlin | 133/141 | Amherst, N.Y. | |
| Tariq Wilson | 133/141 | Steubenville, Ohio | 20th at 126 |
| Chris Diaz | 141/149 | Lawrenceville, Ga. | 18th at 138 |
| Hayden Hidlay | 149/157 | Lewistown, Pa. | 3rd at 152 |
| Thomas Bullard | 165/174 | Lawrenceville, Ga. | 5th at 160 |
| Daniel Bullard | 165/174 | Lawrenceville, Ga. | 4th at 170 |
| Michael Rogers | 285 | Spring Mills, Pa. | *60th overall nationally in 2015 |
*Note: While individual rankings are current available, team rankings are expected to be released within the next two weeks after the signing period has concluded.
Tommy Cox • 125 pounds
Deer Park, N.Y. • Deer Park High School
Prep: Won the 2015 NHSCA Junior Nationals at 106 pounds … Was 3rd in the 2015 NY D1 State Championships in at 106 pounds with a season record of 51-4 … Also qualified for the state championships at 99 pounds in 2014 with a 41-6 record … In 2014, was second at the Super 32 at 106 pounds and 6th at 113 pounds in 2015.
Rankings: Currently ranked 16th nationally at 113 pounds for his senior season by flowrestling.org … Also 15th at 113 pounds by interamtwrestle.com … Also a top-200 recruiting nationally by assocaitedwrestlingpress.com.
Popolizio on Cox:
"Tommy will bring a lot of energy to the program, he is at a needed weight class for us. Finding someone that can compete at this weight for four years in college can be difficult, and we see him being a career 125 pounder. Tommy has won at all levels, and we see him as a guy that will continue to win at the college level."
Popolizio on Cox's wrestling style:
"Tommy brings an aggressive style on his feet and is always looking to score points."
Charlie Lenox • 125 pounds
Erie, Pa. • Fort LeBoeuf High School
Prep: Placed 2nd (at 113 pounds in 2014), 4th (at 106 pounds in 2013), and 6th at 106 pounds in 2012) at the PowerAde Championships … Qualified for the PIAA AAA State Championships in 2015 at 113 pounds and had a 28-7 season record … Qualified for the PIAA AAA State Championships in 2014 at 106 with a 32-9 record … Freshman record of 32-16 … Placed 2nd at the Journeyman Classic in 2015.
Popolizio on Lenox:
"Charlie has a lot of great wins throughout his high school career. I know his senior year will be a breakout year for him, and that will continue once he gets here. He is just beginning to scratch the surface on what he will accomplish, and we look forward to seeing him blossom into a very good college wrestler."
Popolizio on Lenox's wrestling style:
" Chalrlie is aggressive on top, and that has made him dangerous to wrestle and that will help him tremendously in college."
Wade Cummings • 125/133 pounds
Chester Springs, Pa. • Downingtown East High School
Prep: A two-time PIAA 3A state qualifier as a sophomore and junior … As a freshman, went 42-3 at 113 pounds … Was 43-3 at 120 pounds as a sophomore … Junior year, placed fourth at the PIAA 3A State Championships in at 126 pounds and finished with a 49-4 record … Placed 5th at the 2015 Super 32 at 132 pounds with a 7-2 record.
Rankings: Currently ranked 16th nationally at 132 pounds for his senior season by both Flowrestling.org and intermatwrestle.com.
Popolizio on Cummings:
"Wade has a great history with NC State, as he has several relatives that have wrestled here. He takes a lot of pride in being part of the Wolfpack. Wade's work is starting to pay off, as he is climbing in the rankings with several great wins. He is continually improving, and we are excited to watch his development."
Popolizio on Cummings' wrestling style:
"His style of wrestling mirrors a lot of what you need to be successful in college wrestling – an aggressive and physical style."
Kellen Devlin • 133/141 pounds
Amherst, N.Y. • Amherst High School
Prep: A two-time New York D2 State Champion - was first at 126 pounds as a junior and first at 126 pounds as a sophomore … Also placed third at 113 pounds at the NY D2 State Championships as a freshman … Entering his senior season, has a 209-15 career record: 36-1 in 2010-2011, 34-5 in 2011-2012, 46-3 in 2012-2013, 47-4 in 2013-2014, and 46-2 in 2014-2015 (Allowed to wrestling in high school starting in 7th grade in N.Y.) … Was an NHSCA Freshman National Runner-Up at 120 pounds, took third at NHSCA Sophomore Nationals at 126 pounds, and NHSCA Junior National Champion at 126 pounds … Placed fourth at the Eastern State Championships in 2015 at 126 pounds and 6th in 2014 … Second at the 2014 Journeyman Classic in the A Bracket.
Rankings: Currently ranked 18th nationally at 138 pounds by associatedwrestlingpress.com … Ranked the No. 59 overall recruit nationally by FloWrestling.com and No. 88 by intermatwrestle.com … Also a top-150 recruit by Associatedwrestlingpress.com.
Popolizio on Devlin:
"We've been watching Kellen for a few years and we have always been impressed with his athleticism and his will to win. He brings an outgoing attitude and will add a lot of excitement to our program. Being a multiple sport athlete has given him a great background of athleticism, but once he is able to focus on wrestling full-time he will make tremendous improvements."
Popolizio on Devlin's wrestling style:
"He has a wide open style of wrestling and is very explosive. Kellen can score from any position."
Tariq Wilson • 133/141 pounds
Steubenville, Ohio • Steubenville High School
Prep: A three-time Ohip State D2 place winner … Placed second as a junior at 120 pounds with a 49-1 season record … Was also second as a sophomore at 113 pounds and a 49-2 record … As a freshman, took sixth at 106 pounds with a 48-8 season record … Placed eighth at the 2015 FloNationals at 120 pounds … Went undefeated at the NHSCA Duals in 2015 and the Disney Duals in 2014.
Rankings: Currently ranked 20th nationally at 126 pounds for his senior season by FloWrestling.com … Ranked as a top 150 recruit by assocaitedwrestlingpress.com.
Popolizio on Wilson:
"Tariq is a great young man that has continued to progresses throughout his career. He has produced some big wins, and we expect him to have a breakout senior year. He has a great attitude, and mentality that is going to translate to the collegiate level."
Popolizio on Wilson's wrestling style:
"Tariq has a great style for collegiate wrestling, he is exciting to watch wrestle. He can score from a variety of ways on his feet, and is very tough from the top position."
Chris Diaz • 141/149 pounds
Lawrenceville, Ga. • Archer High School
Prep: A three-time Georgia 6A state finalist … Was state champion as a senior, claiming top honors at 132 pounds with a record of 62-3 … Was runner-up as both a sophomore and freshman … Went 54-5 at 126 pounds as a sophomore and 58-4 as a freshman … Placed second at the NHSCA Junior Nationals (132 pounds), 2nd at the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals (126 pounds), and 3rd at the NHSCA Freshman Nationals (132 pounds) … Was fourth at the PowerAde Championships in 2014 … Fifth at the KC Stampede in 2014 and 2013 … In 2014, was a Southern Slam Champion and he also placed seventh at the Red Schmitt Holiday Classic in 2012.
Rankings: Currently ranked 18th nationally at 138 pounds for his senior season by FloWrestling.org … Also ranked 20th at 145 pounds by Intermatwrestling.com … Ranked the 96th overall recruit in the country by FloWrestling.org and the 99th recruit by Intermatwrestle.com, … Also a top-150 recruit by Associatedwrestlingpress.com.
Popolizio on Diaz:
"Chris knows what it takes to win, as he has been winning at a high level his entire life. Both his high school and club programs have been some of the best in the country. Being part of such a great tradition, he knows how important it is to be surrounded by a winning attitude. Chris is an outstanding student and athlete."
Popolizio on Diaz's wrestling style:
"He capitalizes a lot on other people's mistakes and is difficult to score on."
Hayden Hidlay • 149/157 pounds
Lewistown, Pa. • Mifflin County High School
Prep: Has placed at or won just about every tournament in the country … This summer he won the Greco Roman Junior Nationals at 152 pounds and was third in the Freestyle Junior Nationals at Fargo … A double Fargo Cadet National finalist in 2013 in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman … Also placed fifth in Fargo Junior Greco Nationals in 2014 … Was a PIAA 3A State Qualifier as a freshman (27-8 at 113 pounds), placed sixth at the PIAA State Championships his sophomore year (38-5 at 138 pounds), and took third as a junior (43-2 at 145 pounds) … At the King of the Mat Tournament, he placed first in 2014 and 2013, and second in 2012 … Also second in 2014 and fourth in 2013 at the PowerAde Championships … Won the Northeast Regionals five times in the Olympic Styles … Was a FloNational Champion in 2015 at 145 pounds … Placed fourth at the Super 32 at 152 in 2015 and third at 145 pounds in 2014 … Won the Jounreyman Classic A Bracket in both 2015 and 2014 … Competed in FloWrestling's Who's Number One event in 2015 … Won three Freestyle State Championships and four Greco-Roman State Championships … Went undefeated in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman at the East Coast Duals each of the last two years as well as undefeated at the Junior Nationals duals in both freestyle and Greco Roman this year.
Rankings: Currently ranked 3rd nationally at 152 pounds for his senior season by Flowrestling.org and 4th nationally by Intermatwrestle.com … Ranked as the No. 4 overall recruit nationally by Flowrestling.org … The 14th overall recruit by intermatwrestle.com … Also ranked as the 10th overall recruit by AssociatedWrestlingPress.com, and No. 1 at 152 pounds.
Popolizio on Hidlay:
"Hayden will have an immediate impact on our program, as he has proven he is the best wrestler in the country at his weight. He is a true competitor and an outstanding student. The sky is the limit for him accomplishing what he sets out to do at the college level, he is going to win at a very high level."
Popolizio on Hidlay's wrestling style:
"He is very good in all three positions, and can score from any position on his feet. Being good on top is going to make him that much better in college with riding time."
Thomas Bullard • 165/174 pounds
Lawrenceville, Ga. • Archer High School
Prep: Won the NHSCA Junior (152 pounds), Sophomore (145 pounds), and Freshman Nationals (145 pounds) … Also won the Super 32 in 2014 (152 pounds) and was second in 2015 (152 pounds) … A three-time Georgia 6A State Champion (160 pounds in 2015 with a 59-3 record, 152 pounds in 2014 with a 56-1 record, and 145 pounds in 2013 with a 54-7 record) … Won the GMVWA Tournament in 2013 … Placed fourth at the 2014 PowerAde Championships, 3rd at the 2013 KC Stampede, and 3rd at the 2014 KC Stampede.
Rankings: Currently ranked fifth nationally for his senior season by FloWrestling.org at 160 pounds, second at 160 pounds by Intermatwrestle.com, and fourth at 160 pounds byAssociatedwrestlingpress.com … The No. 26 overall recruit in the country by Intermatwrestle.com, No. 29 by Associatedwrestlingpress.com, and No. 49 by Flowrestling.org.
Popolizio on Thomas Bullard:
"Thomas is a fierce competitor and has a tenacious style of wrestling that will continue to be successful at the college level. He as well as his brother Daniel and Chris Diaz, come from great backgrounds as they all have a very good foundation in wrestling at Archer High School. Along with being one of the best wrestlers in the country, Thomas is an outstanding student who constantly is looking to achieve excellence in all aspects of his life."
Popolizio on Thomas Bullard's wrestling style:
"Thomas wrestles an extremely hard pace and his conditioning is a major plus for him. Being a great scrambler and relentless on top will make him very dangerous in college."
Daniel Bullard • 165/174 pounds
Lawrenceville, Ga. • Archer High School
Prep: Won the NHSCA Freshman (138 pounds) and Sophomore Nationals (160 pounds)… Placed third at the NHSCA Junior Nationals (160 pounds) … Was second at the Super 32 at 160 pounds in 2015 and fifth at 160 pounds in 2014 … A three-time Georgia 6A State Champion (170 pounds in 2015 with a 56-1 record, 160 pounds in 2014 with a 56-4 record, and 138 pounds in 2013 with a 58-5 record … Placed second at the KC Stampede in 2013 and 2014 … Was a Southern Slam Champion in 2014 and took second at the Red Schmitt Holiday Classic in 2012 … Won the PowerAde Championship in 2014.
Rankings: Currently ranked fourth nationally for his senior season by FloWrestling.org at 170 pounds, also fourth at 170 pounds by intermatwrestle.com, and ninth at 170 pounds byAssociatedwrestlingpress.com … Ranked the No. 68 overall recruit in the country by Intermatwrestle.com, No. 48 by Associatedwrestlingpress.com, and #53 by Flowrestling.org.
Popolizio on Daniel Bullard:
"Daniel is an outstanding academic student, and one of the top guys in the country wrestling wise. He has grown up competing at every national event there is, and it has prepared him to be successful at the collegiate level. He is ultra-competitive and has an outstanding will to win. Both he and his brother's style of wrestling will be very exciting and it will be fun to watch them competing for NC State."
Popolizio on Daniel Bullard's wrestling style:
"Daniel's competitiveness and will to win, coupled with his great scrambling ability, makes him a winner. He is also tenacious on top."
Michael Rogers • 285 pounds
Spring Mills, Pa. • Wyoming Seminary School
Prep: Curently doing a college prep year at Wyoming Seminary … A National Prep Champion in 2015 at 285 pounds with a 52-3 record … Placed third at the National Prep Championships in 2014 at 195 pounds with a 44-5 record … Was a PIAA AA State Qualifier at 182 pounds with a 35-6 record … His freshman year he went 22-12 at 170 pounds … Placed sixth at the 2015 Fargo Junior Greco Roman Nationals at 220 pounds … Was eighth at the Fargo Junior Freestyle Nationals in 2014 at 285 pounds … Placed third at the Fargo Junior Greco Roman Nationals in 2014 at 220 pounds … Was third at the 2015 FILA Cadet Greco Roman Nationals … Took third at the FILA Cadet Nationals in 2014 … Won the North East Regional Tournament in the Olympic styles five times … A 2015 Prep Slam Champion at 285 pounds … Won the Bethlehem Holiday Classic at 285 pounds in both 2013 and 2014 … Also won the Flo-Excalibur Tournament in 2014 at heavyweight and the 2014 Journeyman Classic at 225 pounds … Was fourth at the Walsh Ironman Championships at 285 pounds in 2014 … Placed 2nd at the Eastern States Classic in 2015 at 285 pounds … Fourth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals at 220 pounds and also fourth at the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals at 195 pounds … Competed at the 2015 UWW Junior Pan Am Championships and placed third in Greco Roman and second in Freestyle, both at 120 kg.
Rankings: Since he is doing a college prep year, he is not in the rankings. But last year, he was a consensus top-10 heavyweight in the country by all the rankings severances … Was also ranked as a top-75 overall recruit by both Interamtwrestle.com and Flowrestling.org.
Popolizio on Rogers:
"Michael is one of the top heavyweights in the country, and comes from a great high school and club program He has competed and won at every level, and is a true competitor who has spent his life traveling the country to seek out the best competition. His credentials, along with being a Pan Am finalist, shows he can win at the highest level.
Popolizio on Rogers' wrestling style:
"He is very athletic for a heavyweight and has good offensive attacks. He will transition into a great collegiate heavyweight."
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