Penn State makes Desmond Umeozulu's top nine schools
Penn State was one of nine schools to make the cut with four-star defensive end Desmond Umeozulu.
A native of Upper Marlboro, Md., Umeozulu has racked up more than two dozen scholarship offers dating back to last summer. He already had the attention of most regional schools last season, but it wasn’t until December and January, when schools nationally reviewed his film, that Umeozulu really took off.
Now, he’s down to Clemson, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Ohio State, South Carolina and Texas.
According to the On3 Consensus, Umeozulu ranks No. 113 nationally. He’s the 12th-ranked edge rusher and No. 2 in Maryland. Our scouts at On3 rank Umeozulu No. 83 nationally and No. 1 in Maryland.
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Out of his top schools, Umeozulu has visited Maryland, North Carolina, Penn State, Pitt, Ohio State and Texas. James Franklin and the Nittany Lion coaching staff hosted him at the end of January, and they’re aiming to get one of his five official visits. Ohio State is already set to get one of those officials.
“After my five official visits, I will make a decision based on my relationships with the head coach and position coach,” Umeozulu said. “A great education is important too. I am in search of a program that will broadcast my talents and get me ready for the NFL as well.”
Defensive line coach John Scott Jr. has been Penn State’s lead recruiter with Umeozulu. He told BWI previously that they speak multiple times a week, adding that Scott is “a hands-on coach.”
“Me and Coach Scott, we built a good relationship,” Umeozulu said. “What they’ve done with people from our area. It’s just great. I just see Coach Scott and Penn State as a high contender as well.”
According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, North Carolina is considered the team to beat with a 31 percent chance of landing Umeozulu. He’s visited Chapel Hill three times since June 2021, more than any other school.
