Zach Durfee

Zachary “Zach” Durfee grew up in western Minnesota with his parents (Jerry and Renae). His older brother (Adam) played college baseball at Augustana. He attended Dawson-Boyd High School, where basketball was his primary sport (averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds per game as a senior). He also played football as a quarterback, wide receiver and safety, although he missed chunks of time because of injuries, including a broken leg as a junior. He considered playing Division III college basketball after high school but instead enrolled at North Dakota State and didn’t play sports in 2020. However, he got the competitive itch again while lifting weights. He tried to walk on the Bison football team as a tight end but was told there weren't any open spots. After he sent out highlight videos, Division II Sioux Falls gave him a chance as an edge rusher. After redshirting in 2021 to develop at the new position, he had a breakout 2022 season and jumped into the transfer portal, choosing Washington over Iowa State. However, the NCAA ruled him ineligible for the 2023 season because he was technically a double transfer (despite not playing at North Dakota State). Although he wasn’t able to play in games, he was dominant in practices in 2023, according to his teammates. He battled injuries in 2024 but played well in his final season. A stand-up edge rusher, Durfee flashes explosive movements, both linearly and laterally, to threaten the corner and work down the line. He has an efficient spin move, but his hand swipes/clubs lack meaningful power. Though his motor doesn’t quit, he isn’t a force player and can be too easily knocked off his rush path. His athleticism is on display with stunts and games, which help open rush lanes. In the run game, his take-on hands lack purpose, and he can be neutralized. His age, injury history and lack of FBS production aren’t ideal. Overall, Durfee struggles to play through contact and has underdeveloped shed skills versus both the run and pass, but