Recruiting Report: Rollin Rowe (2021)

Brian Jerzak January 31, 2020 @ 04:06 AM

The Academy of Holy Angels Stars' football program started strong in 2019. After a 3-0 start, injuries mounted, and the season didn't end as well as it started. While the season didn't end the way, anyone supporting the Stars wanted it to, junior <strong>Rollin Rowe</strong> feels the team's struggles in 2019 will translate into great things in 2020. "With the injuries we had, a lot of young guys got a lot of experience," Rowe said. "That is going to help us next year. The senior class was some of the most talented I have seen. I really enjoyed playing with them. Even though we lost in the second round of Sections, I still think it was a successful season because a lot of people got to show what they can do, and we built a lot of depth through the season." Athletic ability highlighted the team's strengths. "Our quickness and speed on defense were a strength. We found the football and ran to the football," Rowe said. "Our passing game was good. Our quarterback was very good. It was his first year starting, and he stepped up and became a leader. We had injuries at receiver, but guys stepped up." Rowe got his feet wet and got some varsity time as a freshman before becoming a full-time starter as a sophomore. For the second year in a row, Rowe was a starter on both sides of the ball. "I played nose and end on defense and guard and center on offense. I think my season could have gone better. I broke my wrist during the first game of the season. I had to play with a club. That taught me to use my hands more. I think I got better as the year went on." Rowe played multiple positions along the line of scrimmage. "I was normally right guard, but it the coaches needed me at left guard or center, I would do it," the Stars' junior explained. "I think my pulling is my strength. I can use my speed, quickness, and athleticism. I mainly played nose. I am good at taking on the double team and have quickness on the inside to get a pass rush or get the edge at defensive end." This offseason, the 6'1" 240-pound junior is focusing mainly on defense. "I am working on my pass rush moves. I work with one of my former coaches. In the weight room, I work out with my brother and the rest of the team. We do explosive lifts based on a program we got from South Dakota State. I am also going to work with my coaches on how I can get better watching film. In the spring, I throw shot put and discus and will be working on my explosiveness in the weight room." Football and track take up a lot of his time, but Rowe likes to spend time in a different medium. "I am a pretty good chef. I can whip up some pretty good food." College programs are interested in Rowe – outside of the kitchen. "I am not sure," Rowe admitted, "but I think I am mainly being recruited as a defensive player because of my size." Although he doesn't know what side of the ball he will be playing, he does know some of the schools that are interested and is enjoying the recruiting process. "Recruiting is going well. I have enjoyed the game-day visits so far. I hope I get to see more this spring and summer. I have been to Minnesota, South Dakota State, North Dakota, and North Dakota State. I have also been to camps at South Dakota and Western Illinois." Based on the season for the Stars' team and Rowe's season, both are set up for big seasons next year.