Jonathan Epperson, the 6-foot, 210-pound linebacker from Auburn Riverside High School in Washington, has committed to the University of Washington (UW) as a 4-star recruit. Epperson chose UW over offers from Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Oregon, Penn State, USC, and Utah. His commitment is significant as he is the sixth recruit to pledge to UW’s head coach Jedd Fisch’s staff over the weekend, and the third from Washington state, joining edge rusher Victor Sanchez Hernandez from Mukilteo and cornerback D’Aryhian Clemons from Spanaway.
Epperson bolsters UW’s Class of 2025 with his versatility and speed, which might see him transition to a safety role. He joins other defensive standouts, including Donovan Robinson, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound player from Illinois who might shift from safety to linebacker, and Clemons, known for his impressive 4.38-second 40-yard dash. This influx of defensive talent is critical for UW as it aims to remain competitive in the Big Ten.
Epperson acknowledged the persistent efforts of Fisch’s staff in recruiting him even after he was injured during his junior year, causing some schools to lose interest. During his sophomore year, he recorded 77 tackles, including 8.5 for lost yards, 2 sacks, and an interception for a 4-5 team. Epperson’s interest in UW was piqued by their run to the national championship game and the program’s consistent competitiveness.
Epperson follows in the footsteps of 2020 Auburn Riverside quarterback Kevin Thomson in choosing UW. The Huskies hope to see Epperson have a more impactful tenure with the team than Thomson, who faced unforeseen challenges during his time at UW.
