Cael Hughes or Reece Witcraft?

[CauliClub]

What do you do with these two and who will be the true starter going forward? Was Cael filling in for an injured Witcraft against NC State or has Witcraft been filling in for an injured Cael most of the season? Both seem to have been battling injuries, Reece with his knee and Cael with his shoulder. On one hand, you have a guy in Reece that has stayed loyal to the program for years and has solidified himself as a top 15 guy this season. On the other hand, you have Cael, a redshirt freshman with tons of potential but we don't have as clear of a picture as to where he stands with the rest of the field.

Reece's resume this season: Wins against #16 Van Dee, #23 Belton, and #27 Cardinal. 4th place finish at Cliff Keen. Losses to #10 Bouzakis (in OT) and Unranked Hohman (NC State backup) by fall.

Cael's resume this season: Wins against #13 Orine, #26 Spidle, and #30 Fugitt. No losses

Obviously there are questions around the health of both guys and whether Cael can make the weight consistently. Reece has really proven himself among top competition and is capable of scoring a lot of points, however, he has a habit of getting caught in dangerous positions. Cael might not have the same big point potential as Reece, but he has shown a strong ability to control matches with his technical offense and defense.

What do y'all think?

 

[CowboyT]

I would have to see them in practice. Based on what I have seen, I didn't know how to separate them. For next year, I would like to see Cael get consistent and take the spot to show that we have an all American there for the next three years.

 

[MJM]

I think Reece is a great guy, but my view is he will struggle to be an AA. I think Cael is a championship contender.

I have not seen or heard of how they match up in practice, but for me hard to imagine Reece is close.

Cael is a big 133, but so are other top 133 pounders. To me the question is can he make weight.

 

[CowboyT]

Cael made a statement on Monday. Who do we see this weekend?

 

[CowboyT]

Who do you think we see this weekend? Northern Iowa has a top 20 guy and Iowa State has a top 5 guy. Both will be tough matches and would be good wins.

 

[CauliClub]

I would imagine that we see Reece in at least one of those matchups this weekend. Not sure if Cael can make the weight twice in one weekend.

 

[Cowboyshoopspride]

Who do you think we see this weekend? Northern Iowa has a top 20 guy and Iowa State has a top 5 guy. Both will be tough matches and would be good wins.

Iowa State's lineup is apparently in flux. At least three guys (including Carol) that were slated to start and are not wrestling now.

 

[CauliClub]

Iowa State's lineup is apparently in flux. At least three guys (including Carol) that were slated to start and are not wrestling now.

Yeah Carroll is now unenrolled and Bastida is taking a medical redshirt. I've also heard that Echemendia might try and make it back down to 141, leaving 149 for Paniro and 157 to Chittum. Lots of weight shifting and injuries for the Cyclones this year.

 

[PokeBloke]

Saw a pic of Cael looked like he was in a sling. Guessing labrum repair? Any news with him and his potential for the 141 spot? I know labrum’s can be a 6-12mo injury pending damage

 

[CauliClub]

Saw a pic of Cael looked like he was in a sling. Guessing labrum repair? Any news with him and his potential for the 141 spot? I know labrum’s can be a 6-12mo injury pending damage

Yeah looks like some kind of shoulder repair from an injury that he had all season. Depending on the severity, he could possibly qualify for a medical redshirt next season. I'm not positive but he may even be eligible for a medical redshirt for this past season. Really unfortunate though, I heard he was doing well in the room before his injury. It's a tough route to the starting lineup next season as he will be having to compete with Vega and potentially Tagen for the 141 spot. Although many people are speculating that Tagen is bumping up.