AMES, Iowa – For the second straight year, the Iowa State wrestling coaching staff will bring in the one of the nation’s top group of freshmen. Kevin Jackson and company have locked in another top-five recruiting class according to Flowrestling and Intermat.
“We’re very excited about the quality of young men we are bringing into the program both academically and athletically,” head coach Kevin Jackson said. “There is no doubt that these young men and their families are all in.”
In the early signing period, the Cyclones have inked six preps, three of which are ranked in the top-30 overall. Austin Gomez (No. 10), Jarod Verkleeren (No. 12), Jake Allar (No. 30), Ethan Smith (No. 49), Marcus Coleman (No. 68), and Ethan Smith (UR) have all signed on to Iowa State wrestling.
“History tells us that wrestlers who perform well at the national level perform well in college,” Jackson said. “The 2016 and 2017 classes are very important to us to accomplish our goals.”
Austin Gomez, Carol Stream, Ill. – No. 10
– No. 10 overall recruit in FloWrestling’s class of 2017
– 150-5 record heading into his senior year at Glenbard North High School
– Four-time Fargo National Champion (2016 Freestyle National Champion)
– Two-time Illinois High School State Champion
Jarod Verkleeren, Greensburg, Pa. – No. 12
– No. 12 overall recruit in FloWrestling’s class of 2017
– 102-15 record heading into his senior year at Hempfield Area High School
– Cadet World Champion
– Two-time World Team member
– Two-time Fargo finalist
– Flo Nationals Champion
– Super 32 Champion
– NHSCA Champion
Jake Allar, Corcoran, Minn – No. 30
– No. 30 overall recruit in FloWrestling’s Class of 2017
– 204-25 record heading into his senior year at St. Michael-Albertville High School
– Cadet Greco World Team member
– Fargo National Champion
– Super 32 finalist
– Four-time Minnesota State place-winner, two-time finalist
– Minnesota High School State Champion
Ethan Smith, Sparrows Point, Md. – No. 49
– No. 49 overall recruit in FloWrestling’s Class of 2017
– 96-19 record heading into his senior year at Sparrows Point High School
– 2016 Flo Nationals All-American (3rd)
– 2016 Super 32 All-American (3rd)
– 2016 Maryland High School State Champion
Marcus Coleman, Ames, Iowa – No. 68
– No. 68 overall recruit in Intermat’s Class of 2017
– 118-17 record heading into his senior year at Ames High School
– Two-time Iowa High School State Champion
– Cadet Freestyle National Champion
– Cadet Folkstlye National Champion
Ryan Leisure, Clear Lake, Iowa – UR
– 139-6 record heading into his senior year at Clear Lake High School
– Fargo Grecco All-American
– Two-time Iowa High School State Champion, three-time finalist
– UWW Cadet Grecco All-American
– UWW Junior Grecco All-American
