Zina Umeozulu commits to the Texas Longhorns
On3 Industry Ranking four-star EDGE Zina Umeozulu committed to the Texas Longhorns on Wednesday, bolstering a defensive line class that now sits at five members.
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The 6-foot-4.5, 225-pounder picked the Longhorns over Oklahoma and Texas A&M after making official visits to all three schools in June.
Texas was considered the favorite over the Sooners headed into June. The Texas lead only got bigger after his June 23-25 official visit. Linebackers coach Jeff Choate made a strong impression in recent weeks, providing an assist to defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. The duo showed the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 15 EDGE prospect how he would be used in the scheme and developed at Texas.
Umeozulu continued on with the process longer than some expected, including taking an unofficial visit to Texas A&M at the end of July. Even after that visit, this recruitment continued to trend toward the Longhorns. His last trip as an uncommitted prospect was to Austin to see Texas play Rice with his twin brother Ziky Umeozulu
Zina, the younger brother of Texas guard Neto Umeoulu, was offered by 30 programs throughout the recruiting process. Along with Texas, Oklahoma and Texas A&M, the DFW area four-star strongly considered LSU and Oregon.
Umeozulu was named the 5-6A Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore for the Eagles. He followed his sophomore campaign with 56 tackles, three sacks and three fumble recoveries as a junior.
Early evaluation from Jake Langi
“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.
Zina Umeozulu personal file from On3
Zina Umeozulu emerged onto the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex football scene with authority in the 2021 season when he was named Texas District 5-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year at powerhouse program Allen High School. Umeozulu had 46 tackles, four tackles for a loss, six sacks and eight hurries that season. Umeozulu caused more damage as a junior, even if his sack totals were down some. Allen coaches said opponents would double-team Umeozulu, which opened up opportunities for his teammates to make plays. He still managed to record 56 tackles, 11 hurries, three fumble recoveries and three sacks in 2022. His older brother, Neto, is an offensive lineman at Texas. Away from football, Umeozulu enjoys playing video games and listening to NBA YoungBoy. His favorite restaurant is Chick-Fil-A. He plans on majoring in business in college. His parents are Okeoma and Tobe Umeozulu.
Umeozulu is the 17th commitment in Texas’ 2024 class.
