Desmond Umeozulu locks in return to South Carolina
South Carolina will have to replace the production of star EDGE Kyle Kennard next season but the Gamecocks will not only bring back Freshman All-American Dylan Stewart but will also get back another of their top young talents at the position.
Rising junior and former four-star signee Desmond Umeozulu has signed a deal with Garnet Trust, effectively confirming he’ll be in the Garnet and Black in 2025. The official South Carolina collective announced the news on Saturday evening.
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The 6-foot-6, 258-pound Umeozulu played in all 12 games this season as a reserve end and special teams performer, grabbing two tackles and a half sack on the year.
A Flowers High School graduate from Upper Marlboro, Md., Umeozulu was ranked the No. 18 EDGE and No. 150 overall prospect in the 2023 class.
Retention has been a huge focus for the Gamecocks this offseason.
Garnet Trust announced on Christmas Eve that it signed a new deal with SEC Freshman of the Year quarterback LaNorris Sellers after previously inking an agreement with Stewart, the On3 National Freshman of the Year.
“Kudos to our fanbase, kudos to our administration, kudos to the Garnet Trust for all they’ve done to be able to help us and our guys out in so many ways,” Beamer said of South Carolina’s efforts in player retention last year. “This program is about relationships, honesty, and trust and having conversations with guys, and building relationships throughout the season. Guys have expressed to us that they want to be (here).”
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“I think retaining our current roster is the most important thing,” added Darren Uscher, South Carolina football’s Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting, during a recent appearance on GC Live.
Desmond Umeozulu Bio from GamecocksOnline
* 2023 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll
Second-year EDGE rusher… has excellent length and a high ceiling as he continues to add strength… gained valuable experience in a backup role as a true freshman in 2023.
2023 (Freshman)
Reserve EDGE rusher who saw action in all 12 games as a true freshman… credited with nine tackles and a pair of quarterback hurries… logged three stops in the win over Furman… had one stop in six other contests… named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.
HIGH SCHOOL
EDGE rusher from C.H. Flowers High School in Springdale, Md… graduated in December 2022… played tight end and defensive end… led the Jaguars to a 13-1 record and a spot in the 4A state championship game as a senior… coached by Dameon Powell… as a junior, helped the Jaguars to an 11-2 record and a spot in the Maryland 4A state semifinals… selected to play in the Under Armour All-America game… ranked as the third-best prospect in Maryland, the 21st-best EDGE rusher and No. 144 overall in the 247Sports Composite… rated as the third-best player in the state, the 18th-best EDGE rusher in the nation and No. 148 overall by On3 Composite… considered the third best player in Maryland, the 14th-best defensive end in the country and No. 114 on the ESPN300.
PERSONAL
Desmond C. Umeozulu was born Nov. 11, 2004… is a mass communications major.
