Each year we compile a list of some of the top incoming impact freshman wrestlers to watch for that will make an impact on the high school level right away. This list is difficult because it does put the bigger kids at the disadvantage and the lighter kids at the advantage since your heavier kids will be wrestling mature seniors where your lighter kids will be facing more underclassmen. 

Last year's top 10 incoming impact freshmen produced some great results on the high school level. Of the 10 wrestlers listed, 4 of them won state titles, 4 were state finalists, and 2 others placed. 

 

#1 Austin Ellis 

 

School: Davis 

Projected Weight: 132/138

Classification: 6A 

 

2022-2023 Accolades 

• Fargo FS All-American 

• Fargo GR All-American 

• Tulsa Nationals Placer 

• Super State Champion 

 

Davis is getting a good one in Austin Ellis. He proved over the off season that he’s ready and capable of contending for a state title in his debut season of high school wrestling. He has great position, great technique, and can dig deep in big matches. 6A in the lower weights is loaded and Ellis in the mix will make things even more fun. 

#2 Ladd Holman 

 

School: Juab 

Projected Weight: 120 

Classification: 3A 

 

2022-2023 Accolades 

• Reno Worlds Placer 

• Greco State Champ

• Super State Champ 

 

Ladd Holman comes from a long line of great wrestlers and he’s eager to join them on the family mantle and push for a state championship as a freshman. He’s been competing with the high school wrestlers for a couple years now during the off season, had a solid showing at the 16U National Duals and Fargo, and has a great stable of partners and coaches. Look for Holman to be a contender this year. 

 

#3 Asher Millward 

 

School: Skyridge 

Projected Weight: 106

Classification: 6A 

 

2022-2023 Accolades 

• Northern State Champ 

• All-Star Dual Winner 

• FS & GR State Champ

 

Asher Millward had a solid junior high career that included state championships in all three styles and solid showings at national level events. He has a unique style coupled with a lot of physical strength that makes him a unique challenge for many. Last season he had some great matches with some other wrestlers that will be competing for the top spot at 106 in the 6A ranks with Millward among them looking to join his older brother on the state champions wall. 

#4 Perry Fowler 

 

School: Syracuse 

Projected Weight: 106 

Classification: 6A 

 

2022-2023 Accolades 

• Reno Worlds Placer

• Super State Champ 

• FS State Champ 

• GR All-American 

 

Perry Fowler has made a lot of improvements over the course of his junior high career highlighted by last season where he stood on the podium at multiple national events and at the top at super state. At Syracuse he’ll have solid partners in the lower weights to help him continue his development. 106 in 6A will have several contenders and Fowler will likely be among them. 

#5 Peyton Hogan

 

School: Uintah 

Projected Weight: 106 

Classification: 4A 

 

2022-2023 Accolades

• Super State Finalist 

• Intermountain Warrior Finalist 

• FS State Champ 

• Beehive Brawl Champion 

 

Hogan is looking to make an immediate impact and help the Utes to a fourth straight state title. He’s a quintessential Uintah wrestler. He’s intense, has solid fundamental skills, and wants to win. With some of the best coaches in the state, look for him to be right in the mix right away. 

 

#6 Connor Simons 

 

School: Spanish Fork 

Projected Weight: 106 

Classification: 5A 

 

2022-2023 Accolades

• Beehive Brawl Champ

• Salt Lake Slam placer

• Northern State Champ

 

Spanish Fork is returning the most points in 5A and that doesn’t factor in incoming freshmen. Could Simons be a linchpin that pushes SF to the top for the first time since 2004? It’s possible. Competing at 106 against other underclassmen certainly bodes well for him in addition to having a ton of competition experience. Simons is a slick technician with a lanky frame making him a puzzle for a lot of wrestlers.

 

#7 Ethan Sharp 

 

School: Uintah 

Projected Weight: 113 

Classification: 4A 

 

2022-2023 Accolades 

• Super State Champ, 

• Intermountain Warrior Champ

• USAW Folkstyle AA 

 

Sharp joins his teammate Hogan as a top incoming freshman for Uintah. Last season Sharp competed well in the state as well as nationally. With a super state title, folkstyle All-American honors, and a solid showing at the Heartland Duals, he’s proven that he’s a game competitor ready to help the Utes try and capture an elusive four-peat in a tough classification. 

#8 Tanner Telford 

 

School: Corner Canyon  

Projected Weight: 106 

Classification: 6A 

 

2022-2023 Accolades 

• Super State Finalist 

• Beehive Brawl Finalist  

• FS State Champ 

 

Telford comes into his first high school campaign after a productive final season of junior high where he was right in the mix with other wrestlers on this list like Fowler and Millward. He has the ability to be a contender this season. He wrestles hard for a whole match, has some great athleticism, and brings a lot of experience to the table. 

 

#9 Jet Abbott  

 

School: Delta  

Projected Weight: 113 

Classification: 3A 

 

2022-2023 Accolades 

• Super State Finalist 

• Intermountain Warrior Placer 

• Salt Lake Slam Placer 

• FS State Finalist 

 

Delta has a long tradition of producing high caliber wrestlers. The program has been rebuilding at the youth level and leading the charge for the next generation of Jackrabbits is Jet Abbott. Over the course of his junior high career he’s proven that he can compete with and beat the wrestlers from the larger schools and clubs. In 3A, he’ll be a contender right away in the lower weights. 

 

#10 Jaxson Young 

 

School: Salem Hills   

Projected Weight: 175/190

Classification: 5A 

 

2022-2023 Accolades 

• Super State Champ

• Intermountain Warrior Champ

• Beehive Brawl Champ

 

It’s no secret that competing north of 126 as a freshman is a tall order. However, Young has shown over the years that he has a lot of great skills for the upper weights that he’s acquired through competing in big events. He has the potential right away to be a big boost for the Skyhawks and help them climb the 5A ranks.