A look at Texas’ future at Edge with the addition of 4-star Zina Umeozulu
Moments ago 2024 Allen (Texas) Edge Zina Umeozulu committed to the Longhorns. He’ll join his brother, Neto, a second-year offensive lineman, in Austin.
With the commitment, the Texas Edge recruiting class gained a lot of clarity. Umeozulu, an On3 Industry Ranking four-star, joins Duncanville (Texas) five-star Colin Simmons in the class.
Just as we gain clarity within the class, we’re beginning to gain clarity on where the roster is heading long-term after Texas’ Week 1 win over Rice.
With the position designations of Jack (strong-side Edge) and Buck (weak-side Edge) in mind let’s take a look at the current roster with the two 2024 commitments included.
JR Barryn Sorrell
Sorrell, the only upperclassmen at the position, will likely be in Austin next year but it’s not a guarantee. The Louisiana native had a quiet opener but looked quicker off the snap to my eyes. Ideally he’s on the roster next season as Texas enters the SEC. His physical and mental maturity, to go with his experience, would be big for the group.
SO Ethan Burke
Burke had a an active opener where his reputed motor was on display. Physically he looks much better than a year ago. That trend-line will continue. Don’t be surprised if he’s at Jack with Sorrell next year. If Sorrell departs, Burke’s move is a foregone conclusion. The staff remains high on Burke’s long-term upside.
SO Justice Finkley
Finkley is the second Buck at this time and given his shorter, thicker frame, that’s probably where he’ll remain. He still projects better to run-stuffing than pass-rushing.
RS FR J’Mond Tapp
Tapp can play either Buck or Jack. Jack is probably more likely as a long-term home. This is a big year for him as the coaches have other candidates to move to Jack and we all know who’s joining the room in January at take up a bunch of Buck snaps.
FR Tausili Akana
Akana saw the field in the opener. He’s viewed as a flex blitzer who can line up in multiple positions. It’s possible he never truly has a set position like Buck but rather plays “pass rusher” wherever the coaches see fit.
FR Colton Vasek
Vasek is at Buck now but he’ll grow into a Jack. That could happen as soon as next year depending on the staff’s need. Where as Burke has two years at Buck, Vasek is more physically mature at the same stage. One more year in the weight room will have him looking much different. Vasek, like Burke, is thought to be a future NFL player.
FR Billy Walton
Walton has a skill-set and build that’s conducive to Buck long-term. He’s already impressed with his ability to rush the passer and play strong at the point of attack. It’s possible starting as soon as next year Walton and Colin Simmons will play the bulk of Buck snaps.
HS Colin Simmons
With Simmons in the class I see little reason for Texas to take another Buck in the cycle. He’s the Vitruvian Man at the position. He will play a ton next year, especially on 3rd downs where he’ll be on one side and Anthony Hill on the other.
HS Zina Umeozulu
Umeozulu will likely start off at Buck but the hope and thinking is he’ll play Jack long-term. He’s physical enough and has a long frame that will add good weight over time. There are some similarities to Charles Omenihu when it comes to his growth potential while on campus.
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One of the benefits of adding Simmons and Umeozulu is it should allow the staff to keep the 2023 linebacker class at linebacker despite a few of those players having the ability to spin down.
A case can be made they need one more Edge, perhaps Solomon Williams out of Florida, but I view that as more of a luxury unless the coaches feel they’ll lose someone to the portal. Or if someone emerges who is just two good to pass up. They may be done at Edge for the cycle. Time will tell.
The more pressing need up front is another D-lineman. The more you watch Alfred Collins this year the more you will see how well new A&M commit Dominick McKinley would fit into the defense. Hopefully Texas can make it interesting with him or Auburn commit TJ Lindsey.
For now, we’ll see if they continue to pursue another Edge in the class.
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