Princely Umanmielen will bring length, explosiveness to Longhorns defensive line

Tom Herman and the staff made it a priority to keep Princely Umanmielen from leaving the Austin area. Earlier this spring, following one of Umanmielen’s multiple offseason visits to Texas, Tom Herman told the top-tier defensive end that “he’ll be damned if he let a kid from Austin go to any other school in the nation.”

Herman lived up to his word with Umanmielen, as the Texas Longhorns secured a commitment from the four-star defensive end last night.

What Umanmielen brings to Texas?

While Umanmielen brings plenty of experience lining up both inside and outside as an edge, he suits the strong-side end position on a four-man front and at a 4i-technique in a three-man front.

The Manor product presents a massive frame off the edge — he’s currently listed at 6’4, 250, pounds. Umanmielen is currently ranked as the nation’s No. 230 player overall and as the No. 11 strong-side defensive end, per the 247Sports Composite.

With that massive frame comes a lot of sheer strength. Given his long arms, Umanmielen does a nice job at using them to his advantage to disengage better against blocking. His elite length and strength helps him create leverage to shed more blocks. Whether lined up on the inside or outside, Umanmielen tends to be very active against the run. For a lineman of his size, he displays elite lateral quickness and is agile on his feet.

On film, Umanmielen shows a knack for the ball. He displays a consistent effort from play-to-play and pursues the ball with intention. Just when it looks like there may be a hole to run through, Umanmielen will fill the gap quickly, wrap up with his long arms, and overpower you with his sheer strength to make the tackle.

He isn’t the quickest defensive lineman off the snap, but improving your burst comes with lots of speed training and technique drills.

As a junior, Umanmielen was a first-team all-district selection. Nearly half of his tackles came for a loss — 45 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Burnt Orange Nation’s Joe Hamilton had the chance to see Umanmielen in person at The Opening and the Under Armour camps back in the spring, where the strong-side defensive end put on a show.

Umanmielen was exceptionally impressive at both events, displaying great explosiveness off the ball, using powerful and quick hand usage, while showing that he’s also equipped with an arsenal of pass-rushing moves. All of his abilities were solidified on paper as he posted the highest SPARQ rating for a defensive lineman (96.30) at The Opening regional over a week ago.

247Sports Gabe Brooks detailed what Umanmielen brings to the table, noting his ultimate upside as that of a third-day NFL Draft selection:

“Taller, longer-framed defensive lineman with outstanding frame potential. Ample space to add good mass. Does not give up on plays and rallies to the ball with pursuit vigor. Height can at times create pad level/leverage issues. Will need added play strength to maximize power in the phone booth. Can expand pass-rush repertoire. High-intensity, versatile defensive lineman with great functionality in multiple fronts.”

What Umanmielen’s commitment means for Texas?

His pledge marks the second defensive line commit for defensive line coach Oscar Giles and the 2020 class, joining four-star Cy Ridge defensive tackle Vernon Broughton.

It also means there will be a “Royal Duo” on the campus next season, as Umanmielen will unite with outside linebacker Prince Dorbah on the edge.