Finn Birnie
Mar 7, 20235 min
Written by Finn Birnie, edits and additional commentary via Garrett Zatlin
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Our TSR writers were asked to produce three sentences or less of analysis on every entrant in every distance event for every division. We will be slowly rolling out these previews over the next week leading up to the indoor national meets. Stay tuned!
The danger man. This Texas middle distance star combines deadly speed with seriously underrated strength, but what truly sets him apart is his exquisite tactical awareness. He is going to be a force to be reckoned with and a favorite for the national title.
This Gator middle distance talent usually comes up big when the field is loaded and he proved that with his silver medal at the SEC Indoor Championships. While he may lack the experience of his counterparts, he is an improving racer who benefits from a fast pace. The Florida ace has a high ceiling and will be one to watch.
Crayton Carrozza knows how to run fast and more importantly, he knows how to win (which is why he's undefeated over 800 meters this season). An All-American in both the mile and the 800 meters, the Longhorn ace has proven his worth on the big stage before. However, this winter, he seems to be operating at a different level which is going to be a big problem for the other title contenders in this field.
The 800 meter veteran is back and his experience at the highest levels of competition is going to be crucial this weekend. An expert at navigating the rounds, we wouldn't be surprised to see this two-time All-American add another top-eight honor to his collection. The question, however, is if he can legitimately contend for NCAA gold...
The Mississippi State standout was dubbed as the national title favorite coming into this 2023 indoor track season. That status, however, has been put into question due to his absence from this event at the SEC Indoor Championships. Even so, after running 1:46 (800) earlier this season, Navasky Anderson’s raw talent and credentials cannot be dismissed when talking about national title favorites for this weekend.
Consistency is key, something that we've seen plenty of from Clemson middle distance runner, Tarees Rhoden. His exciting mix of strength and speed is undeniably impressive and he has made unreal progress throughout these winter months. However, this will be the first time that he has contested an individual event on the national stage, effectively making him a major x-factor heading into this weekend.
Baylor Franklin's stellar 2022 summer on the outdoor oval proved that he could go toe-to-toe with the elites, throwing down a shocking 1:45 (800) PR at the USA Championships. After an incredibly strong 1:46 (800) mark back in January, the Ole Miss veteran will be looking to build on that result this weekend. And maybe, just maybe, he can put himself in contention for gold.
This rising Cyclone talent had a true breakout season last spring, but has really come into his own this winter thanks to some incredible consistency within the half-mile event. The Iowa State standout gave Texas star Crayton Carrozza a serious run for his money at the BIG 12 Indoor Championships, forcing us to wonder what Cebastian Gentil's ceiling will be later this weekend.
One could argue that this Husky middle distance star is peaking just as effectively as anyone else in this field. The hurdler-turned-half-miler boasts explosive speed and great consistency to accompany that turnover. He will certainly be a candidate for All-American honors, but his national meet inexperience in this event is not ideal against a handful of pure 800 meter specialists who have been here before.
Miami standout Ayman Zahafi is one of the most naturally talented half-milers in the NCAA and he has blistering times to match that assertion. However, the Hurricane ace has struggled to fine-tune his racing approach at the championship level. If this weakness is addressed, then an All-American finish isn't out of the question for him.
Stanford middle distance star John Lester was a phenom in high school and he is proving that the recruiting hype was completely justified. The second-year Stanford talent has progressed with every performance and he is showing no signs of slowing down. The Cardinal middle distance talent is also a skilled miler and that added strength is going to be really useful as he navigates the rounds at altitude.
Samuel Rodman is the full package, boasting speed, tactics, prior national meet experience and a ton of remaining upside. The Princeton stud has been a serial winner this season and he will be looking to use his racing smarts to navigate the rounds. Doing so should almost definitely allow himself to earn an All-American accolade just like he did on the outdoor oval.
Much like Cass Elliott, this Connecticut ace waited until the last minute to snag his spot to the NCAA Indoor Championships in what was a huge (and clutch) breakout race. But how is Mahmaed Sharif going to translate that stunning performance to a (potentially) more tactical setting in his first appearance at the national meet? Can he replicate the same magic that he had in Boston later this weekend at altitude?
Penn State is home to some of the best 800 meter talents in the nation and youngster Handal Roban looks like to be the marquee name of that group. With his limited experience, it’s going to be intriguing to see how he handles the rounds and the added expectations that come from a championship of this caliber. However, after running 1:47 (800) three different times this season, another result like that could allow him to advance to the finals if enough of his competitors falter in the prelims.
New Mexico middle distance talent Ethan Brouw has had a real breaktout season this winter. Being adept to the altitude and holding the home track advantage could help him shatter expectations at his first NCAA Indoor Championship meet.
Georgia rookie Will Sumner is a talent like no other and he has made his mark in his first NCAA season. He has devastating speed and despite his inexperience, a statement win in this event at the SEC Indoor Championships suggests that we shouldn't be doubting this youngster. Don't be fooled by his low seed.