Notable ...
- Has been in touch with Chris Ash
- Didn't get to watch the Alamo Bowl but plans to watch it online
- Texas official visit in January is likely
- One January official visit set up (Florida)
The die-hard Texas Longhorn football fans always have one eye on recruiting, and in the minutes following UT’s dominating win over Utah in the Alamo Bowl, the burnt orange fan base was immediately wondering what kind of recruiting impact the game could have for the Longhorns. More specifically, fans were asking if Texas’ dominating defensive performance – including some changes to the scheme by interim defensive coordinator Craig Naivar – could help with UT’s efforts in landing defensive lineman Princely Umanmielen.
The answer to that question … to be determined.
Umanmielen, the one-time Texas commitment who went back on the market back in October, told Orangebloods.com that he didn’t get to watch any of last night’s game because he had to work. He did hear about Texas’ defensive domination (including Joseph Ossai’s three sacks) and said he plans to view the game on YouTube when he has some time.
Umanmielen originally committed to Texas back in August but re-opened his recruitment in late October. A big part of his decision to explore other options was because he wasn’t crazy about Texas’ defensive scheme, particularly former UT defensive coordinator Todd Orlando’s scheme that employed a three-man defensive line. With Texas showing more four-man fronts on Tuesday night, and expected to utilize a similar alignment under new defensive coordinator Chris Ash, Umanmielen said he’s again paying attention to Texas and his interest in the Longhorns has increased. He’s been in touch with Ash recently and Umanmielen has been told he’ll have a chance to showcase his skills in Texas’ new scheme.
“He’s been texting me. He telling me that he’s going to put me on the edge, and he knows that’s what I want,” Umanmielen said.
As he heads down the home stretch of his recruitment, Umanmielen has taken just one official visit (Oklahoma in September). He recently set up a Florida official visit for January 24 and is trying to solidify his other three trips.
As for Texas, Umanmielen said there’s a “pretty good chance” he’ll get over to the Forty Acres for a visit. Most likely, he’ll take an unofficial visit, he said. If that goes well he’ll looking into possibly setting up a UT official visit. Texas A&M, Auburn and Oregon are among the other schools still in contention.
