College Football Interview: Christian Stowe Talks Defense and His Commitment to USF

The USF Bulls were very active this summer on the recruiting trail, and one of their more intriguing football commitments was edge rusher Christian Stowe.

Christian Stowe Talks Defense and His Commitment to USF

An imposing presence for Crest High School in Shelby, North Carolina, Stowe holds 18 overall offers, including ones from fellow American Conference members in East Carolina and Charlotte. In 2025, Stowe notched 36 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and had a fumble recovery.

When I asked Stowe about why he chose South Florida, he was very clear in his reasoning.

“The family atmosphere and the winning culture. I really felt like they wanted me to be a part of it. USF just felt different when I went there. Getting to meet all the coaches and players in person, while also building relationships, just stood out to me more than other schools.”

It is clear why the Bulls wanted Stowe when one turns his game film on. The defensive end plays with heavy hands against the run and uses his quickness to get into the backfield consistently. As a pass rusher, Stowe has both the power and burst, along with a developing move set to get after quarterbacks.

Asked about how he improves his game, Stowe gave a broad overview of how that process looks for him.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say there is one drill that I lean on. But flexibility is something I focus on. Film study allows you to play fast because you’re not thinking, you’re reacting. It allows you to understand the game situation. From sophomore year playing defensive end to me playing it now, I know so much more and understand the game on a different level.”

Stowe’s mentality, as he puts it, is a “dog mentality” that he has developed through “working hard and pushing myself.” And like many players, Stowe models his game after an NFL player. However, the South Florida commit provided a very interesting answer in this regard.

“I like to watch Boye Mafe; I think our games are similar. I really love to watch him play.”

When it comes to non-football-related things, Stowe revealed his favorite artist and something that most people do not know about him.

“I don’t have a pregame ritual, but my go-to song is any song by Rod Wave. I’m also afraid of heights. I can’t be anywhere high up.”

Heading into his senior season, Stowe shouted out his “mom, dad, brother, plenty of trainers, Coach Rae, Donavan Manning, and Jumal Rolle” as key people who have inspired him and have helped him reach this point in his career. And when it comes to his goals for this year, Stowe kept things simple.

“My main goals this season are to break the sack record at my school, to go back-to-back, and to win in dominant fashion.”

South Florida’s 2027 class is shaping to be an extremely fun and talented one. With a great senior season, something I expect Stowe to accomplish, the defensive end can set himself up as a key and fun piece for the Bulls that will arrive in 2027.