Darrion Caldwell is looking to become North Carolina State’s first two-time NCAA champion. Larry Slater photo.

Everybody that follows college wrestling knows how freakishly talented Darrion Caldwell is when he steps on the mat.

They see how explosive he is when he wrestles his all-out, go-for-broke style.

That was evident when Caldwell stunned the wrestling world with his 2009 NCAA finals upset over returning Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf of Iowa.

Caldwell is more than just an athlete.

“Darrion’s really talented and really likes to wrestle. But he’s also learned how to work and he knows how to train,” North Carolina State coach Carter Jordan said. “That’s pretty frightening for anyone who has to wrestle against him.”

Caldwell has spent much of the past two years stuck on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, but he’s back on the mat now. The Wolfpack senior is 6-0 with five pins at 149 pounds. He’s ranked No. 1 nationally.

“It’s awesome to be back,” Caldwell said. “I’m excited to be wrestling again. I feel like everything is coming along for me. I’m working on being at my peak when it counts.”

Caldwell expects to compete in his team’s dual meet against Duke on Thursday before wrestling against Oklahoma State on Sunday in Stillwater.

“Darrion’s doing really well,” Jordan said. “He had been out a year and a half, but he’s back to form again. He’s looking really good right now.”

Caldwell is in a tough 149 weight class that includes second-ranked Kyle Dake of Cornell. Dake won an NCAA title at 141 last season before bumping up a weight class.

“Dake’s a good wrestler. He’s well-coached and he’s a national champion,” Caldwell said. “He needs to be ready to go because I’m going to be ready to go. I will be ready to bring it, no matter who I wrestle. I’m a senior and this is my last shot. I’m fired up to win another national title.”

Caldwell is looking to become N.C. State’s first two-time NCAA champion.

“Darrion has a chance to be the best wrestler we’ve ever had at North Carolina State,” Jordan said. “He’s a phenomenal wrestler who has meant a lot to our program. He’s created a lot of excitement. He still has a lot of work left to do, but he’s definitely on the right track.”

Caldwell is looking forward to competing at March’s NCAA Championships in Philadelphia. His hometown of Rahway, N.J., is about a 90-minute drive from Philly.

“I’m definitely going to have a nice little cheering section,” he said. “The NCAA tournament is a great atmosphere to wrestle in. I’ve always had fun, no matter where they are holding it. That’s my kind of environment. I feel at home out there in front of all those fans. I like to put on a show.

“It would be a great honor to win another national title. It would mean a lot to be North Carolina State’s first two-time national champion. And I know it would mean a lot to my family.”

Caldwell’s last NCAA tournament match was his historic win over Metcalf nearly two years ago.

“That seems like it was a long, long time ago,” Caldwell said with a laugh. “That’s awesome that Metcalf made the World Team last year. He’s a tough wrestler and a great competitor. He puts in the time and the hard work to be successful. I’m looking forward to having a chance to wrestle him again.”

Caldwell said he is healthy again.

“I feel good,” he said. “I’m ready to go.”

Caldwell is scheduled to graduate from college this spring.

“I’m really proud of Darrion,” Jordan said. “He’s come a long way, on and off the mat. He’s a great kid who has been great to have in our program.”

Caldwell is one of the nation’s best freestyle prospects. He placed third at the 2009 U.S. World Team Trials despite limited experience in freestyle.

“Absolutely, I’m ready to jump back into freestyle,” he said. “I have a lot of high goals I want to achieve. I want to be the best.”

So how well can Caldwell do in freestyle?

“The sky’s the limit,” Jordan said. “I don’t think there’s any question that Darrion can do whatever he wants in this sport. That’s how good he is.”