Army's recruiting class of 2008 is deep at the linebacker position and Coach Stan Brock has yet another piece to be added to foundation & structure of this year's class. That name is linebacker Brian Rowen of Kell High School (GA).

The Marietta, Georgia native turned down offers from Tulane, Southern Mississippi, Middle Tennessee, Troy and Louisiana-Monroe, not to mention Navy and Air Force to say yes to Army.

Rowen has the versatility at 6-foot-1, 221 pounds to do several things for the Black Knights when makes his way to the USMAPS this summer. The Army coaching staff knows that they have a good one and have the luxury of having him play either defensive end or linebacker. "I played defensive end this past season, but my junior year I was at linebacker … I think the coaching staff wants me at the Sam linebacker though," shares Rowen as he speaks about his future of wearing the black & gold of Army.

Just like most recruits with multiple offers on the table, very often it comes down to one or two things that cause a prospect to say yes to one program and no to the others. In

In Rowen's case it came down to a priority and comfort level. "The other schools that offered me, I wasn't even interested … it was always going to be one of the academies," says Rowen in describing what was priority for him. "However, the way Coach Brock treated me, it was like I was his son or family. He said he wanted me to go where it was the best for me, while when I was on my Navy visit, I was told by the coaching staff, I needed to go there. After that visit (Navy) I didn't even take my official to Air Force, because I was set and I am set on Army."

So for Rowen, who was recruited by special team coach Gary Miller and took his official visit the 2nd weekend in January - the following weekend's official visit to Navy was a confirmation where he wanted to play football and attend school. "I committed to Army the day after my Navy visit," declares an excited Rowen.

Rowen had approximately 85 tackles this season and clearly is a player that the coaching staff wanted on board.

This young backer maintains a strong workout regiment - with a 320-pound bench press, 425-pound squat and a 4.71 forty. There is not doubt that Rowen will get a chance to make a name for himself in the Black & Gold of Army.


GoBlackKnights.com congratulates Brian Rowen for becoming Army Black Knight.


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