South Carolina Football Adds Top EDGE Prospect Desmond Umeozulu

The South Carolina football program has put together one of their top recruiting classes in recent years for the 2023 recruiting cycle. While the recruiting rankings are ever-changing, according to industry leaders on3 and 247Sports, Shane Beamer and company have found themselves firmly inside the top-20 since the Early Signing Period ended.

One of the players in this class is EDGE Desmond Umeozulu, who signed with South Carolina during the Early Signing Period.

Position: EDGE
Recruiting Ranking: Consensus 4 Stars
Measurables: 6’6”; 240 pounds; 80-inch wingspan; 4.9 second 40-yard dash (as junior); 4.65 second short shuttle; 29-inch vertical
Former Player Comp: JJ Enagbare

Desmond Umeozulu is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2023 signing class for the Gamecocks. His future likely hinges upon what changes he makes to his body as he steps into the world of SEC strength and conditioning. His 6’6” frame seems most likely to fit as a defensive end, probably on the weakside. At 240 pounds currently, he might fit as a versatile EDGE who will play as a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end some downs and as a stand-up edge rusher at other times. If Umeozulu can put on a few pounds, he will probably stick at defensive end. He was a highly sought-after recruit in this cycle and was considered a virtual lock to go to Ohio State before the Gamecocks swooped in and changed his mind.

Desmond U does not display elite athleticism, but he is a good and fluid athlete who seems to have the ability to get both stronger and faster. This is not to imply that Umeozulu is slow; in fact, he plays faster in pursuit than his 4.9 40-yard dash would indicate. He is not yet the ideal size for his probable home at defensive end, but he has a good frame that can add weight; doing so will undoubtedly help reverse his weaknesses as a run stopper and help make him a much more complete contributor.

Where he excels is his technique. For a high school pass rusher, Umeozulu possesses elite hands, which is why he may end up reminded the Gamecock faithful of former first-team All-SEC DE JJ Enagbare. Enagbare, like Umeozulu, was a good (not great) athlete who was able to have success with his technique. Umeozulu is longer and lighter than Enagbare, but the two share the ability to knock down the hands of opposing offensive tackles and use elite edge lean to get to the quarterback. His film does not show very many instances of him using “pass rush moves” as he never needed to use them to be successful at the high school level. Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers Coach Sterling Lucas will need to work with the Maryland native in this facet of his game to help him reach his full potential.

The defensive end position for the 2023 season and beyond is a bit of a mystery in Gamecockland. Former 5-star recruit (and Columbia native) Jordan Burch has transferred to Oregon, and starter Jordan Strachan is recovering from his second torn ACL. Strachan’s replacement as a starter was Gilber Edmond, and he also left the program through the transfer portal. Defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway has played some as a strongside defensive end, but his best performances were as a 3-technique defensive tackle. Other potential contributors such as Terrell Dawkins, Bryan Thomas Jr., and Tyreek Johnson have not seen much game action. The uncertainty at the position could provide an opportunity for early playing time for Umeozulu and fellow 4-star freshman Monteque Rhames.

Whether it is in an immediate role or one that begins after a couple years of development, Gamecock fans can expect Desmond U to be an impact starter who has the potential to play on Sundays.