Wrestling’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, The Hodge Trophy – named after one of the greatest American Wrestlers of all time Dan Hodge – is awarded annually to the most outstanding college wrestler of the year as chosen by W.I.N. (Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine) Magazine.
This year the award goes to the Nebraska Husker’s 165lbs star Jordan Burroughs who won his second national championship last Saturday capping off an undefeated season with a 38-0 record, and as a Senior ended his collegiate career 128-20. Burroughs blitzed his way through the top collegiate tournament outscoring 5 opponents 71-24, winning two matches by Tech Fall, two by Major Decision and one by Default when Binghamton’s Justin Lister sustained an injury. This is the first time a representative of the Nebraska University has ever won this prestigious award.
Burroughs’ tale of the tournament lay with his devastatingly quick double-leg take downs and a relentless follow through until points had been scored, a perfect style for International Freestyle competition but also one of the most high percentage take downs available for MMA. Burroughs will feature as one of my top picks in my NCAA Wrestling to MMA Scouting Reports.