Despite not having made an unofficial or official visit to the University of Washington another talented defensive prospect has chosen the Huskies.

On Friday, three-star Rancho Santa Margarita (Calif.) Santa Margarita Catholic defensive end Maurice Heims announced his commitment to UW, becoming the ninth verbal pledge in the 2021 recruiting class.

The 6-foot-6 and 235-pound prospect is expected to play the BUCK hybrid rush-end position for the Huskies. Heims picked UW over offers from Arizona, Boston College, Penn State and several other schools.

Heims was scheduled to visit Seattle during this past spring before the Covid-19 pandemic forced him to postpone his trip. Nevertheless, UW made the three-star recruit a high priority after he first emerged on the recruiting scene last June while visiting from Germany.

Prior to moving across the pond to America the talented defensive prospect began his football career on offense as a tight end. His athleticism and size allowed him to excel immediately as both a wide receiver and tight end, before he had to switch to defense.

“I like playing low and fast,” Heims said back in March. “I can hit people. Also, the fact how much technique goes into playing defensive line is insane.”

Heims also trained with two kids in Germany whose father, Toure Butler, was a former cornerback at Washington from 1996-99 giving him unique insight to the program even before having the chance to visit.