This is Josh Llopez, wrestling for the Maryland Renegades wrestling club in the NWCA National Duals in Virginia Beach earlier this year. While in season, Llopez wrestles in the 170 pound weight class, but this match took place up at either 182 or 195 pounds.
When I first saw this cartwheel to a double leg sequence, I figured that Llopez was simply showboating. After repeated viewings, however, I realized that the acrobatic maneuver represents an ingenious set up for a takedown. Llopez transitions seamlessly from the impressive tumbling technique to the shot. The cartwheel circumvents the defending wrestler’s head/hands defense, and leaves Llopez in impeccable position, with his level lowered and head already on the hip. Llopez then wastes no time, grabbing his competitors legs, and powering through to finish the double.
Though I’ve been aware of Llopez for a while, I have only actually seen him wrestle a couple times. Before watching this clip, I knew he was one of the nation’s top high school wrestlers, but I had no idea he possessed this level of athleticism. Llopez just finished his prep career as Intermat’s number 40 overall wrestling recruit in the nation, and competed out of Leonardtown Maryland’s St. Mary’s Ryken High School. Next year he will take his impressive array of skills to the University of Maryland and the Big Ten Conference.