Who is the next big thing? Who will be the best young player in California this season, and emerge as the top college prospect in the Class of 2022? Will they commit to powerhouse Penn State or will they stay locally and attend Fresno State, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal Poly, or commit to Stanford? There’s still plenty of time before that question will be definitively answered. Nevertheless, here at Tri-Titans, we take a shot at the top 10 prospects that could make an impact in college once their time comes.
Things will change. Quickly and, perhaps, dramatically.
These guys were just sophomore’s a season ago, and new guys will emerge during the next two seasons.
But we plan to update and expand by this midseason.
So, if you’re a 2022 athlete not on the list and looking at this, keep working hard, listen to your coaches, and we’ll keep watching.
If you’re a fan or coach who thinks somebody needs to be put on the radar for this class, send Pablo an email at pdimaria215@gmail.com and let him know about it.
10. Luka Wick (San Marino)
Wick got the makeup of a prime college prospect. Wick is a is an athletic guy, with a big frame. If he puts in the work, he could become a special wrestler in college probably competing at the University of Wisconsin. He’s cradle is almost nonstop and could obtain the fall if he gets it on most opponents.
Wick got the makeup of a prime college prospect. Wick is a is an athletic guy, with a big frame. If he puts in the work, he could become a special wrestler in college probably competing at the University of Wisconsin. He’s cradle is almost nonstop and could obtain the fall if he gets it on most opponents.
9. Rocco Contino (Buchanan)
It’s rare to find a player in this class, this big, who moves so well while wrestling with so much strength and nastiness. He came out of nowhere to upset some of the top wrestlers in his weight class and advance to the state finals. He has the makings of a very good college wrestler whether he decides to stay in-state or not.
8. Henry Porter (Oakdale)
Porter comes from a great wrestling family as his father (Kyle) was a two-time state champion for Hughson High also of the Sac-Joaquin section. Porter is poised to be the next big recruit for the Mustangs. He’s an excellent athlete, who is fluid with his takedowns, and shows great agility. He’s got long arms that he uses well, and solid speed. We could either see him competing of his father’s alma mater the University of Wyoming or for Cal Poly where many Mustangs have gone on to compete.
7. Andre Gonzales (Poway)
Gonzales has a lot of upside in his wrestling skills. Only a junior, Gonzales was productive in claiming double titles at Fargo Nationals which is sure to skyrocket his ranking in the latest national rankings. He is the face of the Poway wrestling team as he has good vision, wrestles like a college wrestler, and gets rarely takedown. It’ll be fun to see how he develops this season.
6. Max Wilner (Fountain Valley)
He’s got the build, speed, and athleticism to be an elite wrestler in the country and should be in for a big-time breakout year with for the Barons after putting together a solid 2018-19 season. He was the lone wrestler at the state tournament to held two-time state champion Matthew Olguin of Buchanan to a regular decision. He has great stamina and skills to compete for any program in the country.
5. Cael Valencia (St. John Bosco)
He’s a do-it-all athlete who shows excellent body control, and a knack for making big moves on the mats. While he can wrestle for any college program, we should expect Cael signing with Arizona State as both his siblings (Anthony and Zahid) are currently competing for the Sun Devils. Expect Cael to have a big year and become the next state champion for St. John Bosco.
4. Ryan Franco (Clovis North)
Franco is a phenom who should be the next big thing coming out of Clovis North. He’s got the ideal size and wrestles well. He has shown great strides in national tournaments and isn’t afraid to punish the competition with his skills. His elder brother (Chris DeLoza) is competing for Fresno State. However, I could see Franco leaving the state and competing for a Big 10 school.
3. Carlos Negrete Jr. (Buchanan)
A junior who is already built like a solid 125-pounder is Carlos Negrete of Buchanan. Negrete doesn’t just have the look, he’s got game. He’s got great speed and acceleration and is a missile of bad intentions coming down on the opposition. He is a two-time state finalist and it is his time to shine and claim and individual state title this upcoming season
2. Maximo Renteria (Buchanan)
Renteria is on the verge to make history and become Buchanan’s first four-time state champion at the conclusion of his senior campaign. He is the total package and a coach’s dream. After working out constantly with Coaches Gabe Flores and Troy Tirapelle, both NCAA qualifiers for the University of Illinois, it will be interesting where Renteria will attend college. Will he stay locally and compete for Fresno State or go to Champaign County, Illinois, and deal with the cold winter that can get to the low twenties?
1. Richard Figueroa (Selma)
He might be the most intriguing athlete in California in this class. Figueroa is ultra-athletic — good enough to go up a class or two and tear apart the competition with his explosive technique. He has committed to attend Arizona State and help the Sun Devils bring a national championship to the West Coast. He’s quick off the edge, and his speed and length allow him to win against defensive wrestlers.