I will preface this post with this... usually I can do the whole prediction thing along with poking fun at all the contestants because I feel like I get to know the Bachelor or Bachelorette during the season in which they get dumped. But this time I am not feeling to great about predicting considering I don't even know who the Bachelorette will be the whole season. Thanks for nothing ABC. But with that being said, it is time to introduce you to this season's cast. Let's roll!
Ben HAge: 26
Occupation: Software Salesman
Hometown: Denver, CO
Opinion: He seems pretty normal. I feel like he will be in and out pretty quickly because of the sheer amount of normalcy he exudes. One thing that I think he totally botched on his bio was the fact that he said being married is a total sacrafice... for some reason that just doesn't sit well with me. Normal guy. Normal looking. Won't help the rating much. Don't see either lady loving on him for too long either.
Ben ZAge: 26
Occupation: Fitness Coach
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Opinion: This guy is also extremely normal. What is up ABC? Too much time justifying two Bachelorettes to throw in any crazies? Okay... I digress. But yes, normal guy that I think will do well. He seems like he is just normal enough with a little edge to intrigue someone for a few episodes. And apparently he is "recently" outgoing, so hopefully he uses an open bar and television cameras to let his hair down. Get crazy, guy!
BradleyAge: 25
Occupation: International Auto Shipper
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Opinion: I am basically super interested in his career. International Auto Shipper sounds like a fancy way to say, "I drive those giant trucks that make you nervous a car isn't attached correctly and might fall off on the highway." Or a really fancy way to say, "I load cars into giant metal boxes and use a crane to get them on ships." Yeah? No? I am impressed by his All-American tennis status and I think at least one of the ladies will be too.
BradyAge: 33
Occupation: Singer-Songwriter
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Opinion: I kept thinking he looked familiar, it just hit me. He looks like Jimmy Fallon all rocker-ed out. Anyone agree with that one? He is a singer-songwriter and those guys always seem to do well since they are like "bad boys". Until they turn into a real jerk and basically eliminate themselves... maybe Britt and him will have that in common?
ChrisAge: 28
Occupation: Dentist
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Opinion: An elevated normal. Good ol' boy, making that sweet sweet cash while fixing the smiles of America. I feel mediocre about this one. But I am seeing a wild side come out since apparently he has been on national television in his underwear before.
ClintAge: 27
Occupation: Architectural Engineer
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Opinion: His answers were too short for me to even get any opinion from. Loves his Dad, wants to be Chuck Norris, looking for a best friend to be in a marriage with. Average.
CoreyAge: 30
Occupation: Investment Banker
Hometown: New York, NY
Height: 6'0"
Opinion: He seems quirky. And I think it will give him an upper hand with all these average men. I see him getting through a few rounds no matter who the lady in charge is.
CoryAge: 35
Occupation: Residential Developer
Hometown: Pearland, TX
Opinion: Something about his photo makes me wanna say, "Oh hey Cory!" I like him because he likes The Goonies and any human that likes that movie is good in my books. His biggest fear is finding out his date is a dude which makes me wonder if he has had close run-ins before? Odd. Very odd. Hates name droppers - who doesnt? - and loves people that are not uptight. All good.
DanielAge: 28
Occupation: Fashion Designer
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Opinion: I picture him talking with a French accent, "huh, huh, huh... wee wee! We like the pleated skirt with all the sequins. Get some pizza!" He also wants to be The Prince of Monaco, "because he has a baller life"... aim high dude, reach for the stars!
DavidAge: 26
Occupation: Real Estate Agent
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Opinion: I get a good feel for this one. Seems like a solid, normal guy. Solid and normal which will sky-rocket him to the top! Loves his family. Loves his sister which is too cute. I think he will be the kind heart that gets far in the competition.
IanAge: 28
Occupation: Executive Recruiter
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Height: 6'4"
Opinion: Seriously, normal on normal on normal. What is it with this season?! Maybe it was harder to draw in the looneys when they didn't know who they were applying for. But another good normal. And an ABC suckup which I know ABC will love. Organic shout out to their late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. Maybe if Katelyn is the Bachelorette they can go on another date and BBQ with the J man himself.
JaredAge: 26
Occupation: Restaurant Manager
Hometown: Warwick, RI
Opinion: Okay. It is getting harder to give opinions because they are seriously all going to just blend together. This guy wants to be Barack to see how it is to lead the free world. And he has been a volunteer for a children's cancer summer camp. Big softy. So tender.
JJAge: 32
Occupation: Former Investment Banker
Hometown: Denver, CO
Opinion: What does it mean to be a former investment banker? Does that mean he got laid off? Or quit? Orr..... what? Does he work now? Or does he just live off his trust fund? So many questions unanswered!
JoeAge: 28
Occupation: Insurance Agent
Hometown: Columbia, KY
Opinion: He bugs me strictly based on the fact that he says five years ahead is too far to plan. One day at a time. People act like that is a lock in question... but it is really like, "Ideally where would you be?" Not a, "I AM HOLDING YOU TO IT!" Make a few plans, people. Act like you care about your life. You win some and you win some. Get with it.
JonathanAge: 33
Occupation: Automotive Spokesman
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Opinion: Is there a different between a spokesman and a salesman? Does the spokesman just tell people how great the cars are and then hand them off to a pushy salesmen so they don't have to be the bad guy? Or maybe a spokesmen is the voice on the auto commercials. This is the first interesting job out of the bunch. And he loves lots of music. Seems like an auditory learner to me.
JoshAge: 27
Occupation: Law Student/Exotic Dancer
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Opinion: I am not looking back at all the other photos, but I think this is the first guy wearing a tie? Maybe to compensate for his lack of real career. Exotic dancer? No thanks. Britt will hate him. Katelyn will love him.
JoshuaAge: 31
Occupation: Industrial Welder
Hometown: Kuna, ID
Height: 6'2"
Opinion: I like him because he is from Idaho. And that sums it up. Mountain climber, world traveller, Idaho spud. You win. But sadly... I don't really think you will win.
JustinAge: 28
Occupation: Fitness Trainer
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Opinion: Baby face alert! How is this guy 28!? He looks like a child. He does have a five year plan though, so you go up a little in my book baby face.
KupahAge: 32
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Hometown: Boston, MA
Opinion: Double ear pierce?! Ain't no thang. Mamma's boy through and through, looking to be that hometown hero, humble guy. That is what I am getting from his Q&A.
Ryan BAge: 32
Occupation: Realtor
Hometown: Wellington, FL
Opinion: Why you gotta all be so average? Great hair flow. Rode his bike cross country for a dog rescue. Dogs are people too.
Ryan MAge: 28
Occupation: Junkyard Specialist
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Opinion: Junkyard Specialist? Finally, another not so average job. Picture Zac Efron dancing about how the boys are back with this Sean-esque guy. Crush that junk. Clear it out! A boy's boy and hopeless romantic. You will go far Ryan M.
Shawn BAge: 28
Occupation: Personal Trainer
Hometown: Windsor Locks, CT
Opinion: This appears to be the season of the fitness guys. I think we should have them all fight... but for some reason I think this man would not win. Looks a little scrawny in comparison. Loves country music and 1D. Hopefully he didn't cry when Zayn left.
Shawn EAge: 31
Occupation: Amateur Sex Coach
Hometown: Ontario, Canada
Opinion: Cool necklace? And that career.... nope. I can't with this one. Only one Shawn can make it through and I do not pick this one.
TannerAge: 28
Occupation: Auto Finance Manager
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Opinion: This one makes it through. I am basing that only on his smile in this photo. Because his questionnaire is lacking in much content. Country fan. Basic guy.
TonyAge: 35
Occupation: Healer
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Opinion: That hair paired with that occupation. Either a super hippie or a super awesome guy. I am feeling like he will be the wild card in this season. Sort of like Francis... I mean Ben... they have the same hair, right? Hopefully Tony washes his a little more.
So basically this season is full of the most average or average men. A few randos got into the bunch... where are my dog lovers, free spirits, and jumbotron operators!? Come on ABC! I will say the guys that I feel could do well - and this is based on two ladies, not just one personality because they are SO different- based on bios and looks alone are: Ben Z, Clint, Corey, Cory, David, Ian, JJ, both Ryans, Shawn B, and Tanner.
But I will take it and leave it right there, I guess, since this is the most bizarre season to start with. I loved Britt all last season but I am hoping Katelyn wins the Bachelorette battle because she is just too much and will make for some real great TV. Once the Bachelorette is selected I will come decide who I think will go far in this journey. Who do you want as Bachelorette? Any guys stand out to you?
All photos and information about the men courtesy of ABC.com.