LITTLE ROCK - The newest members of the Little Rock wrestling team, joining the squad for the 2022-23 season, were ranked #18 in the country via MatScouts this spring. The freshmen class is made up of 7 individually ranked student-athletes, including three top-100 recruits, making it the second year that the Little Rock wrestling program has produced a top-25 incoming class.
Meet the incoming Trojans below.
Brendon Abdon (Lake Gibson, Fla.)
One of the three top-100 recruits, Abdon is ranked #95 overall and will likely appear at 157 or 165 pounds for the Trojans. Abdon closed his career at Lake Gibson as a 3-time State champion, also finishing as an All-American at the Super 32 Challenge, Ironman, Michigan Grappler, NHSCA Nationals, and was named a Preseason Nationals All-American.
Coach Neil Erisman on Abdon - "Going into this recruiting year, we knew Brendon would be a top recruit coming out of high school. He showed a lot of grit and placed at a lot of tournaments, so we're excited for his future here."
Vincent Bryan (Little Rock, Ark.)
Bryan is a strong in-state pickup for the Trojans this season, as Little Rock Central's MVP turns in an impressive Arkansas high school wrestling record. He was a two-time State champion for the Tigers and was also named Outstanding Wrestler twice at the State tournament. Bryan may compete at 174 or 184, once the Fall Brawl National champion hits the mat.
Coach Neil Erisman on Bryan - "Vincent is our lone Arkansas native. He has unbelievable athleticism, strength and power, but we like most that he's confident in himself and determined. We can't wait to see what he'll do as a Trojan."
Kodiak Cannedy (Greeneville, Tenn.)
Another great addition to the middle weights, Cannedy will likely represent the Trojans at 157 or 165. Ranked #144 in the nation, he is a four-time Tennessee State champion, but also brings in impressive finishes at the Super 32 Challenge and NHSCA Nationals with the Kingsman Wrestling club.
Coach Neil Erisman on Cannedy - "There's a lot of fun things about Kodiak, from his personality to his wrestling. He brings a wild edge to the wrestling room, lays it on the line every time he competes, and does everything he can to win. We're excited to see what else he brings to this team."
Chance Davis (Enid, Okla.)
Rounding out the ranked wrestlers joining the Trojans, Davis checks in at #222 in the country and will be a welcome addition to the upper/middle weights at either 165 or 174. Throughout his high school career, qualifying all four years, he was a two-time Oklahoma State champion, also earning honors for his defensive skills on the football field.
Coach Neil Erisman on Davis - "Chance had a lot of success early on in high school, then had to fight through some injuries. Through all this, we knew he was talented and able to compete at a high level. Very happy to sign Chance and have a unique wrestler with a unique background."
Kyle Dutton (Liberty, Mo.)
The top-ranked recruit headed to Little Rock, Dutton boasts the #46 rank in the nation and is primed to be a force at the middle weights, currently looking at 149 pounds. He is a Junior National qualifier and finished as the runner-up at Ironman during his time with Victory Wrestling.
Coach Neil Erisman on Dutton - "There's a few kids you get to watch in your coaching career where when you see them, you know they're a winner. That's Kyle. He' s won at every level and brings a high level of athleticism and aggressiveness to the mat. He is already elevating our room."
Cael Keck (Park Hill, Mo.)
Another new Trojan presenting a strong resume, Keck joins the team with top results at Fargo, UWW Cadet World Team Trials and Ironman, along with finishing as a three-time high school State placer in Missouri. Keck will be a welcome addition to the lower weights, projected at 133 or 141 pounds.
Coach Neil Erisman on Keck - "I've known Cael for a long time. I've seen him compete since he was little, and he's always been fun to watch. Looking forward to watching him blossom physically and as a wrestler. He has a high ceiling and we're looking for him to embody the word grit and do special things here."
Stephen Little (Sturgis, Kent.)
A much-needed grab at 197 pounds for the Trojans, Little comes to Little Rock ranked #161 in the nation. The Union County wrestler is a three-time State champion, two-time Preseason National champion, and Ironman All-American, also attending Fargo during his well-rounded prep career.
Coach Neil Erisman on Little - "Stephen is a special athlete. His size, his mentality, and his athleticism for his size are all factors. We are ecstatic to get him in the room and working with our guys because what we've seen so far screams nothing but greatness."
KJ Miley (Whitfield, Mo.)
Just outside the top 100, checking in at #118 in the country, is the heavyweight pickup for the Trojans in this class. Miley is a two-time State champion and has collected accolades such as runner-up at the Super 32 Challenge and placing at Fargo, UWW Junior World Team Trials, and Preseason Nationals.
Coach Neil Erisman on Miley - "It's rare that you have a room full of stud heavyweights and then get another big time heavyweight like KJ. He's big physically and and big in his wrestling. His size and athleticism are rare and we're crazy excited to see his progress and what he'll be able to do here."
Brennan Van Hoecke (Fort Myers, Fla).
Wrapping up the ranked newcomers at an impressive #55 in the nation, Van Hoecke will join the lower weights for the Trojans. The Palmetto Ridge wrestler is a National champion as well as two-time State champion, and has placed at Ironman, Fargo, UWW Junior World Team Trials and NHSCA Nationals, to name a few.
Coach Neil Erisman on Van Hoecke - "Talk about someone who really turned it on this year. We knew he was someone who had it, and we are happy to have him as part of our program. You're going to see some electric things out of Brennan and we can't wait to watch it."
Garrett Foreman (Pigeon Forge, Tenn.)
Finally, Foreman rounds out the incoming class, a two-time State champion and placer as a freshman. Currently, he will likely wrestle at 149 for the Trojans.
Coach Neil Erisman on Foreman - "Garrett is a great young man and we're happy to have him here in Little Rock."
For the latest information on Little Rock Wrestling, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockWRES on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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