Penn State wrestling's version of Midnight Madness kicks off tonight with Coach Cael Sanderson changing the usual wrestle-off format for starting spots into an intra-squad scrimmage. Preliminary eliminations have whittled the weight classes down to the top two (more or less), and the scrimmage winners will begin the season as starters. Except when they won't.

Confused? Then read on.

Sanderson has decided to redshirt (if possible, and injuries permit) his entire ass-kicking '09 recruiting class, even if some win in tonight's scrimmage. This isn't remarkable in itself; freshmen have a difficult time adjusting to both the physical and mental rigors of big time D-1 wrestling (Coach Cael being one obvious exception). Wrestling doesn't lend itself to Frosh Phenoms like other sports do, as wrestlers don't have the luxury of being specialists (e.g. nickel backs, kick returners, short yardage backs, etc.). They need to do it all themselves - offense, defense, 2-minute drill and running out the clock. It's very tough for an 18 year old to compete with a twenty-two or twenty-three year old with years of experience and mature man-strength in a one-on-one situation.

As much as we'd like to get a look at David Taylor (nation's #1 ranked recruit), Ed Ruth (#3) Jake Kemmerer (#9), and Luke Macchiaroli, it likely won't happen in a varsity setting this year.

Expect the same with next year's nasty group ('10 class), which already includes the Alton twins (Andrew #2, Dylan #5), Sam Sherlock (#17), and Dirk Cowburn (#47). Unconfirmed rumors indicate more gunslingers will be joining them; Sanderson is a HUGE draw for PSU.

Locking and loading is great, but...relocking? Sanderson plans on also redshirting '08 NCAA runner-up and senior Bubba Jenkins. Jenkins currently has academic issues, and isn't eligible until January anyway. Injuries kept him from repeating his NCAA showing last year, so another year in the practice room getting splattered by Cael should do wonders. He's National Champ material.

Relocking? Another unexpected redshirt is soph Quentin Wright, who had to step up last year as a true frosh because of lineup injuries.  Boy, did he deliver: 33-13, and 6th at Nationals. That is amazing, especially at 174 pounds where he battled juniors and seniors all year. Coming back next season with sophomore eligibility and a year under Cael will be tremendous for PSU.  More National Champ material.

These guys won't be stashed in a closet all year, though. All are allowed to wrestle in Open tourneys throughout the season, listed as 'Penn State - Unattached', and will gain invaluable experience. By season's end, our 'unofficial' team may be stronger than our varsity. Weird, but waaay cool for the upcoming years.

Sanderson also just received a committment from HS junior ('11) Nico Megaludis, currently the #2 ranked 112 pounder in the country. He was a Pa. State Champ last year as a soph, and a tough little dude. In other words - just our type. More commits for both '10 and '11 should begin rolling in after January

While this list of guys that WON'T be competing this year is impressive, it doesn't mean we'll be throwing out a team of stiffs this season. Far from it. The next update will focus on who IS wrestling, and we'll have a better handle on it after tonight.

I just wanted to give you a glimpse of what's in store for the next few years. Lots and lots of fun for us, but not so much for everyone else.

Cael Sanderson rocks.