2023 NCAA DI The Season: Hofstra

 *NOTE* - I want to make it clear what this is and what this is not.  What this is NOT is an overview of the entire team. What this is, is a who’s who preview of THIS season 2022-2023. Meaning that I am going to talk about the starters who I feel will have an impact THIS year. Those who will win big matches in duals. Those who will earn placings in major tournaments like CKLV, RENO, MIDLANDS, MATMEN INVITE, SOUTHERN SCUFFLE, CONFERENCES & NCAA’s.  In some cases a weight class will have multiple talented wrestlers. I will note that & I will also be making posts later on about the best wrestle-offs to look forward to this season.  Then after that is determined I will make post later into the season of who our best backups are in the nation.

This post will NOT include redshirts. Those who are redshirting this season will be included in a separate post entitled “22’-23’ Best Redshirts.”  

Hofstra goes into the 22'-23' season with a few challenges.  Both the Heller brothers, Holden & Reece have decided to spend their final season at Pittsburgh & I'm not sure of the status of their other brother Sage.  Both Charles Small an NCAA qualifier in 2021 & Ricky Stamm a two time NCAA qualifier have graduated.  As to the current whereabouts of Dylan Ryder, I am not sure.  With that said, The Pride looks best in the upper weights & should qualify all three to the NCAA's. 

184 lbs
Jacob Ferreira

14-3 on the season last year, North Carolina State transfer Jacob Ferreira will most certainly contend for NCAA qualification this season.  Notable wins include Levi Hopkins of Campbell, Jaxon Smith of Maryland, Kaden Russell of Duke & Kayne Hutchison of Air Force. 

197 lbs
Trey Rogers 

An NCAA qualifier for the Pride in 2021, Trey Rogers was 17-7 on the season last year with notable wins over Kaden Russell of Duke & Braxton Amos of Wisconsin. 

HWT
Zachary Knighton-Ward 

A three time NCAA qualifier, Zachary Knighton-Ward enters his final season of eligibility with EIWA finishes of 4th-3rd & 6th. He was 18-10 on the season last year.