The Washington Huskies were on the verge of pulling off one of the most impressive victories of Jedd Fisch’s tenure on the recruiting trail on Friday evening when four-star edge rusher Zane Rowe announced his commitment.
However, Rowe, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound product of Denton Guyer High School in Texas, who is ranked as the nation’s No. 93 overall prospect and No. 9 defensive lineman in the 2027 class by 247Sports, picked the Oregon Ducks out of a final four that also included Oklahoma, North Carolina, and UW despite having several crystal balls to pick the Huskies.
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As a junior, Rowe recorded 72 tackles, 26 for loss, with 8 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and scored a pair of touchdowns as he racked up 39 offers and also had teams like Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, and Texas in pursuit of his services.
“A big part of it was the academics piece and the development piece,” Rowe told 247Sports’ Tom Loy. “It was a really hard, stressful decision. There was something about Oregon that felt special from the moment I stepped on campus.”
Rowe was a perfect fit for Washington’s defense. On film, he shows off all the traits defensive coordinator Ryan Walters is looking for in a standup outside linebacker with fluid athleticism, the ability to convert speed to power, and an explosive first step, but an unofficial visit to Eugene in the days leading up to his recruitment was enough to seal the deal.
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“Imposing jumbo edge defender who projects as a true defensive lineman in college,” 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks wrote in his evaluation. “Productive strength- and effort-oriented rusher with some pop at the point of attack…Gets upright at times and can enhance speed-changing nuance to maximize rush threat…Already pushing 6-5, 265 as a junior with potential to become an athletic 300-pounder at the next level.”
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: High-end 2027 Texas pass rusher picks Oregon over Washington
