The Washington Huskies were coming off one of the most impressive wins of Jedd Fisch’s tenure on Friday night when four-star edge rusher Zane Rowe announced his commitment.
However, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound product of Denton Guyer High School in Texas, ranked the No. 93 prospect in the nation by 247Sports and the No. 9 defensive lineman in the class of 2027, chose the Oregon Ducks from the Final Four, which also included Oklahoma State, North Carolina and Washington, despite having several crystal balls to pick the Huskies.
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As a junior, Rowe racked up 72 tackles, 26 for loss, eight sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble receptions, and two touchdowns while earning 39 offers and having teams such as Georgia, Miami, Ohio State and Texas pursuing his services.
“A big part of it is the academic part and the development part,” Loy told 247Sports’ Tom Loy. “This was a very difficult, stressful decision. From the moment I stepped on campus, there was something special about Oregon State.”
Rowe is a perfect fit for Washington’s defense. On film, he displayed all the traits defensive coordinator Ryan Walters was looking for in a stand-up outside linebacker, including fluid athleticism, the ability to convert speed into power and an explosive first step, but an unofficial visit to Eugene days before recruiting him was enough to seal the deal.
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“He’s an impressive jumbo edge back who was a true defensive lineman in college,” 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks wrote in the review. “Strength and effort-oriented edge rusher with some explosiveness on offense…sometimes upright and can enhance nuances of change of speed to maximize rushing threat…Has turned 6-5, 265 as a junior Pushed to the next level and has the potential to be an athletic 300-pound athlete at the next level.”
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: High-end 2027 Texas pass rushers choose Oregon over Washington State