Arizona is looking to remake its defense, and on Monday night it secured a transfer portal commitment from a former 5-star linebacker looking to reinvent his career.

Justin Flowe is trading in his green and yellow for Arizona red and blue. The third-year linebacker entered the transfer portal after a rough go of things at Oregon, and announced his commitment to Arizona Monday night.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Flowe was the sixth-ranked recruit in the 2020 class and the best inside linebacker, according to the industry-generated 247 Composite. But injuries limited him to two games in his first two years with the Oregon program. While Flowe sat on the shelf, hoping for health, the mystique of him as a prospect only grew and grew.

“He can do some crazy things on the field that I’ve never seen before,” said Oregon inside linebacker Noah Sewell before the season. “His motor is top-tier. His energy… I wish you guys could switch cleats and be on the field with Justin Flowe. Justin Flowe will make the play.”

Added Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus: “I’ve never seen someone work like him before.”

But in 10 games this season, Flowe struggled to adapt to first-year coach Dan Lanning’s defensive scheme. He posted 35 tackles and just 2.5 for loss. The energy Flowe came to be known for got him caught out a bit too often. The raw potential is still there, though, and it’s incredibly intriguing. Arizona will look to harness that and let Flowe be the kind of player so many thought he could be when he entered the college ranks.

Flowe figures to challenge for a starting spot right away, giving defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen another aggressive linebacker to partner with this year’s breakout player, Jacob Manu.