CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois wrestling head coach Mike Poeta announced Wednesday the signing of three incoming freshmen – Ryan Bennett (Avon, Ohio), Jayden Colon (St. Charles, Ill.) and Joey Ruzic (Springfield, Ill.). – to the Orange and Blue wrestling roster. The trio will join the Illini next fall as freshmen for the 2024-25 season.
RYAN BENNETT // AVON, OHIO // ST. EDWARDS HIGH SCHOOL // 149/157 LBS.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Bennett signs to Illinois as a 2021 OHSAA state champion at 106 pounds. Two years later, he was a runner-up at the 2023 State Championships at 138 pounds, and a year prior (2022), he placed fourth at 126 pounds. Not only did he place high at the state tournaments, he enters his senior season in 2023-24 as 2022 Powerade Wrestling Tournament runner-up.
BENNETT QUOTE: "I chose Illinois because the coaching staff is the best in the NCAA. Coach Poeta and Coach Martinez were the first school to contact me when the recruiting period began. The team is also amazing. They made me feel like I was a part of the team instantly."
POETA ON BENNETT: "It's nice to finally be able to talk about Bennett publicly now that he's not considered a recruit. I'm excited to add the total package of Ryan Bennett to the program; wrestling, academics and character. He's everything we're looking for and more."
MORE ON BENNETT: Bennett has had a great connection with Illinois ever since high school, where his high-school coach was John Heffernan. If that name sounds familiar to Illini wrestling fans, it should: John is the brother of former Illinois wrestling coach Jim Heffernan. Bennett lists his biggest influence to his athletic career as John Heffernan since he "showed me how to work hard and compete at the highest level."
JAYDEN COLON // ST. CHARLES, ILL. // ST. CHARLES EAST HIGH SCHOOL // 141/149 LBS.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Colon signs to Illinois after success at the middle- and high-school levels. In 2019, he became a two-time 14U Pan-American Games champion in both Greco-Roman and freestyle and was named to each world team. Entering his senior year in 2023-24, he is a two-time IHSA state champion at 145 pounds (2022, '23). He garnered All-State honors in both 2022 and 2023 for his title runs. In April of 2023, he became an Illinois Greco-Roman state champion.
COLON QUOTE: "I chose Illinois because of the family environment and amazing coaching staff. There's no better place than staying home and representing Illinois."
POETA ON COLON: "Jayden's a truly special kid. You're in rare air when being a two-time Illinois State Champion with a chance at another. That was a strong part of our interest, but if anyone saw the way he lives his life, especially around his sister, you'd understand why we're thrilled to have him here."
MORE ON COLON: Colon list Real Woods and Austin Gomez as two people who have influenced his athletic career the most. "I love how competitive they are. Their wrestling styles and how hard they work in the gym without complaining always influenced me."
JOEY RUZIC // SPRINGFIELD, ILL. // AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL // 133 LBS.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Ruzic signs to Illinois after becoming a two-time IHSA state champion. Not only did he succeed for his high-school team, he also topped the podium at Junior Nationals in Fargo twice and was a four-time Junior Nationals Fargo All-American. He received Wrestler of the Year honors after his latest IHSA State Championship (2022).
RUZIC QUOTE: "I chose Illinois because they have the best coaches in the country, and the University is full of great people overall."
POETA ON RUZIC: "It was a great day in Champaign when Ruzic told us he wanted to be an Illini. He's been getting better by the minute and will be a force at the next level. His work ethic and attitude really separate him from others."
MORE ON RUZIC: Ruzic lists his dad as his biggest influence to his athletic career. "He's always pushed me to be the best I can possibly be."
