Washington continues to make waves in New Jersey recruiting, and this time it's all about a powerful edge rusher who could be the next big thing in Montlake. Linebackers coach Brian Odom recently made the cross-country trip to check in with Chaz Gray, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound outside linebacker from St. Joseph Regional in Montvale, New Jersey.

Gray, a three-star prospect ranked as the No. 9 player in the Garden State and the No. 32 edge recruit in the 2027 class by 247Sports, has been on Washington's radar since last January—when the Huskies became the first school to offer him a scholarship. That early interest has kept UW firmly in the mix, even as Gray's recruitment has exploded.

Since that initial offer, Gray has piled up over two dozen more, including recent offers from powerhouse programs like Clemson, Penn State, and Tennessee. South Carolina also got an unofficial visit from Gray on April 9, showing just how hot this recruitment is getting. But Washington's visit from Odom signals that the Huskies aren't backing down from the competition.

This move is part of a larger strategy under head coach Jedd Fisch, who took over in January 2024 and has since targeted the talent-rich state of New Jersey. Over the past 27 months, more than 20 prospects from the state have received offers from the Big Ten school—a clear sign that the Huskies are building a pipeline from the East Coast to Seattle.

Given that UW was Gray's first offer and that Odom made a personal visit all the way to New Jersey, it's realistic to think the program could secure an official visit from the talented pass-rusher. With the NCAA's expanded allowance for official visits, it's now more feasible for a player from the East Coast to make the trip out West—something that would have been a long shot just a few years ago.

Gray's on-field production backs up the hype. Over his sophomore and junior seasons at St. Joseph Regional, he racked up 70 total tackles (20 solo), 11.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery in 18 games. His film shows a high football IQ and an ability to disrupt both the run and the pass. He's got ideal size for a hand-in-the-dirt edge rusher, with plenty of room to add more weight once he gets into a college strength program.

Here's a fun twist: if Gray does end up in Seattle, there won't be any bad blood between him and freshman quarterback Derek Zammit—a former four-star signal-caller from DePaul Catholic. Despite facing off twice in high school, Gray never managed to sack his potential future teammate. That's a stat that might just make for a great locker room story down the line.

For now, the Huskies are making all the right moves. With an early offer, a dedicated coach visit, and a growing recruiting footprint in New Jersey, Washington is positioning itself as a serious contender for one of the top edge rushers in the 2027 class.