NOVATOS: Michael Rodrigues Is The Rookie Class' Darkhorse Talent

So I've been hyping up this M-Rod cat for about two years now. The reasons are simple: he surfs fast, strong, and with tons of pop -- kinda like a natural-footed Italo.

Honestly, I didn't expect the 23-year-old to qualify this quickly, but thanks to Kanoa Igarashi's stellar record at Pipe, another back-of-the-pack QSer gets to join the CT ranks. And frankly, I'm stoked it's Michael. Regardless of how he fares on the big stage, I can promise you he will not bore.  

And don't worry M-Rod, I too have dreamed of stomping a full-rotation into the flats. The only difference is you can do them IRL.