Allen, TX – Saturday afternoon, in a rain-soaked affair, Allen rolled to a 59-21 win over Euless Trinity in the 6A Division I Regional Semifinal. In doing so, the Eagles racked up 255 rushing yards averaging 7.29 yards per carry. 

Helping lead the way was the big guys up front, including 2022 OL Neto Umeozulu (6'4, 300), who is in the midst of his recruiting cycle coming to a close with an announcement coming soon.

DCTF had the opportunity to speak with Umeozulu post-game regarding his current recruitment outlook and his recent official visit to Texas. The Allen offensive lineman so far has had an excellent senior year despite fighting an injury earlier in the season. On Saturday, Umeozulu looked to be in full form and showed good returns in a revenge-style win from a year ago.

"We remember 336 days ago we caught that 'L' to them, and you know it was just revenge from the jump all week. We knew the most physical team was going to get the 'W,' and we knew that's what we had to come out with," Umeozulu told reporters.

As far as his recruitment, Umeozulu has been a challenging read for quite some time now. While most recruits are active on social media, leaving crumbs or a trail to follow, the Allen prospect has taken a more subdued approach, keeping his thoughts close to the vest in interviews. 

With plans of signing in the Early Signing Period, there is building interest in where the highly coveted offensive line prospect will end up. That being said, Umeozulu doesn't have any solidified plans on when he may announce or how he may do so.

"Well, I'm probably just going to drop it, whenever that is sometime next month. It's probably going to be before Signing Day, and I hope that'll be the school I'll be signing with, but you know how December goes. Just going to wait to see how things play out and then go from there," Umeozulu said.

Most recently, Umeozulu took an official visit to Austin when Texas hosted Kansas. That particular weekend was a huge recruiting opportunity for the Texas staff as they try to close out the 2022 class. Umeozulu was one of several recruits of top priority. The Allen product spoke highly of his visit and noted what the coaching staff is selling him on.

"Austin was good," Umeozulu said. "They laid out the red carpet for me. Great experience. They may have got the 'L,' but you know we still learned a lot. They need O-linemen."

"The networking and all of the connections you can get from going there (Texas). A lot of entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals. They have a great business program."

Texas offensive line coach Kyle Flood continues to impress Umeozulu. They have a close relationship that includes Flood teaching and coaching the Allen prospect on what he can continue to work on. Other O-line recruits have also voiced this same experience with Flood in high regard.

Schools also still in the race for Umeozulu include Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Alabama, LSU and USC. 

With the recent coaching changes happening in the last 48-hours, don't be surprised if USC surges up the ladder and makes a strong late push, a source told DCTF. With USC hiring Lincoln Riley this may allow Umeozulu to officially visit Los Angeles for a second time.

Allen plays Southlake Carroll this Saturday at 2:00 PM at Apogee Stadium in the 6A Division I Regional Final.