TOM's No.1 at 145, Cody Chittum, Verbally Commits to Minnesota
by Christopher Miller
Graphic courtesy of Cody Chittum's Instagram.
The Minnesota Golden Gopher wrestling program received a verbal pledge from a top recruit in the Class of 2023 today. Cody Chittum, a Blair Academy sophomore out of Cleveland, Tennessee, made his decision known with the following Instagram post early Thursday morning on June 3:
"I am pumped to announce that I would like to take my next chapter at the University of Minnesota. I want to thank everyone that helped me over the years. Without my coaches, family, mentors, partners and friends, none of this would be possible. I can't wait to become a Gopher. Let's go!"
Chittum is regarded by all outlets, TOM included, as a top-five recruit in the country in his recruiting class. As a freshman at Blair, Chittum was a Beast of the East champ and a National Prep silver medalist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKQiT88DjkQ
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chittum stayed in his native Tennessee this school year and won a Division I Class-3A state title earlier this year for the Cleveland Blue Raiders. Chittum won his finals match via fall.
The now-rising junior recorded an imposing 8-5 win at "Who's #1" last October over future Iowa Hawkeye Wyatt Henson. Also, Chittum boasts an equally commendable win over future Sun Devil Cael Valencia, at a much heavier 160 pounds, to his credit from the Elite 8 Duals.
Many had speculated that Iowa was the perceived landing spot for Chittum for stylistic reasons, but he has chosen elsewhere in Big Ten country. The junior is a physical scrapper who can hand fight well and has a high ceiling. I would not be surprised to see him grow into the 157/165 range throughout college.
On the international scene, Chittum is a threat as well. He is a four-time Fargo 16U placer with top-three finishes in both Greco and freestyle to his credit.
For sure, Minnesota and Brandon Eggum got a big boost today from an exciting young prospect. Their 2023 recruiting class is off to a fantastic start in Minneapolis.
https://twitter.com/wrestlingnomad/status/1400440224329650184
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