Four-star defensive end Kenny Rowe (6-3, 225, 4.7), from Long Beach Poly (Calif.), continues to deny a leader. He plans to take all five official visits and has already tripped to California (October 7) and Arizona (September 30). Oregon, Mississippi, USC and Fresno State are other possibilities--although it is unclear if Rowe still has an offer from USC.
“I’ll know which school will best fit me when I get there,” Rowe said. “My school is in the semifinals (11-1) and I’m totally focused on that right now. When the season is over I’ll start to think about making a college decision. I haven’t planned any other official visits yet. All I know is that I’ll be visiting the Bulldogs sometime in December.
“My brother, Alfred Rowe (safety), plays for USC. That doesn’t necessarily mean I want to play for the Trojans. I went to the USC/Notre Dame game (44-24) last weekend. I thought it was cool. I’ve been to a lot of USC games and know a lot about the school already. I’m just waiting to go on my official visit to decide if it’s a school I’ll consider attending.
“I would say California is recruiting me the hardest,” he said. “I know a little about the Bears. My friend DeSean Jackson (wide receiver) went to my high school. We talk about the school and the team. He tries to recruit me a little. But, he understands that I have to make the decision. The coaches say I can play early, which is something that is important to me and I will consider when making my decision.
“I don’t know much about Oregon at this point. Derrick Jones (wide receiver) went to my high school too. I’ve talked to him a few times about Oregon, but not over anything earth shattering.
"Mississippi and Fresno State both said they want me to play early. Playing time is important to me, but not the only thing I’ll be considering.
“I may just take my time and wait until Signing Day to make my decision,” Rowe said. “I’m in no rush; I want to see what every school has to offer. I’m not just looking at their programs and playing time, but also a feeling when I’m at the visit. Something just tells me that I’ll know where I belong after I see all five schools.
“Distance will not be a factor when I make my decision. My parents just want me to graduate from college. The decision is mine and mine alone to make. Going to the right school that best fits me is important. I’m going to take my time in reviewing all the schools. As a kid I followed all the teams, not just one. I didn’t develop a favorite. As it stands now, I really don’t know where I want to go or who I want to play for."
Rowe reports a 2.6 core GPA and a 790 SAT score (old version). He has no plans to retake the SAT and states that he is qualified.