Football's Mardale Rowe to Play at Fordham

2/5/2024

Brophy senior defensive lineman Mardale Rowe committed and signed with Fordham University in December and will be attending and playing for the Jesuit school based in Bronx, N.Y. Fordham plays in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision Patriot League.

“I am excited,” said Rowe. “Closing my recruitment process was a big weight lifted off my shoulders. Being able to find a home at Fordham University is a tremendous opportunity for me. I am ready to get up with the team and continue to bond with them and the coaching staff.”

Rowe was an AIA 6A All-Conference and Central Region first-team selection in 2023, as well as an Arizona Republic All-Arizona honorable mention choice. He recorded 59 tackles (35 solo) with a team-best 19.5 tackles for loss with 6.5 sacks and 12 hurries. He finished his career as the all-time career sack (18) and tackles for loss (52.5) leader in school history.

“I am proud to say my name will be in Brophy's history forever,” said Rowe. “It is a great accomplishment. It gives the underclassman motivation. I want to see that record broken just as I strove to break the records before me. I am looking forward to who is up next.”

Rowe will play for Joe Conlin, who is in his sixth season at Fordham. Last fall, Conlin led the Rams to one of their most successful seasons to date, led by a record-setting offense. Quarterback Tim DeMorat, who was named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year for the third straight year and finished as runner-up in the Walter Payton Award,

“Fordham was the best decision for me,” said Rowe. “They prioritized me and made me feel I was their No. 1 priority. Fordham can help me achieve all my goals whether that is playing on Sundays or getting one of the best educations in the country.”

Rowe plans to study engineering.

“Mardale will go down as one of the most disruptive defensive players in Brophy's history as the team's all-time leader in sacks and TFLs,” said Head Coach Jason Jewell. “A three-year starter and three-time all-region player, Mardale is headed to Fordham on a full scholarship and I couldn't be more proud. The opportunity in front of him is life-changing.”

Rowe will participate in the Brophy Football Signing Day Celebration on February 8 at 7:15 p.m. in the Robson Gymnasium.