Get to know Texas signee Zina Umeozulu on national signing day
Whether you’re a diehard recruiting fan in need of a refresher or a casual fan in need of only the particulars, this will be the series for you.
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The first national signing day for college football begins December 20 and runs through December 22. This series gives you the chance to familiarize yourself with the next class charged with keeping Texas in a position of national prominence.
To win at a consistently high level means stacking talented class after talented class. The top-five 2024 class does just that following top-five finishes in the 2022 and 2023 classes.
On the first national signing day, Inside Texas will offer profiles of each member of the 2024 signing class. Up next, Zina Umeozulu.
The Player: Zina Umeozulu, Allen (Texas)
The Rating: 90.35 (four-star)
The Ranking: Umeozulu is ranked as the No. 289 overall prospect, the No. 29 EDGE, and the No. 48 prospect in Texas. On3 ranks Umeozulu as the No. 35 EDGE and the No. 49 prospect in Texas.
The Highlights:
The Recruitment: Even though Zina’s brother Neto Umeozulu was on the Longhorns roster for much of his recruitment, it was never a guarantee Zina was going to follow in his older brother’s footsteps. Steve Sarkisian, Pete Kwiatkowski, and the other UT assistants had to recruit Umeozulu like he was not related to one of their current players, and that’s exactly what they did. Only Oklahoma and Texas hosted Umeozulu on an official visit. After a couple of months of reflection, Umeozulu joined Texas’ 2024 class and is likely to reunite with his brother on the 40 Acres.
The Projection: “Thick neck, developed traps, long arms, big hands, good frame to make dramatic physical morphosis. Just a pup. Displays good athleticism. Lined up at DE on both sides of the line with his hand in the dirt. Good quickness off LOS, good bend, solid speed and showed flashes of very good acceleration and closing speed, can get to the QB. Makes plays because of his strong effort – LOVE IT. Can make his way through traffic with good balance and find the ball. Solid use of hands in pass rush, needs to be more violent at POA and against the run but that will come with time and strength. Shows good ability to read and react to blocks, recognizes screens and has speed to chase down the ball carrier. Shows good overall feel for the game for a sophomore. Needs time to physically mature and must live in the weight room. Despite lack of strength, can win inside and split blockers.”
The Reasoning: “After the (Rice visit), that solidified things. Last night I was just talking with the family and praying, and I just felt like Texas was the place to be. God just gave me that feeling.”
The Relationship: “Having that relationship with (Pete Kwiatkowski) is just going to make the transition to Austin that much easier. Development wise, I feel like they’re some of the best in the nation. I’m comfortable and happy with the choice.”
The Enrollment: Umeozulu will join his brother in January.
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The Final Word: Umeozulu and Colin Simmons give the Longhorns a tremendous EDGE duo at both main rush positions.
