LITTLETON — Heritage defensive tackle Frank Umu never blinked after de-committing from Colorado State in favor of rival Colorado. All he did was grab pen and document among four other classmates in the school theater on Wednesday afternoon, and celebrate his good fortune.
“Every time I’ve been (on the CU campus), they’ve treated me and my family so well, and that’s with the whole coaching staff,” Umu said. “I just really liked the atmosphere.”
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The 6-foot-4, 285-pounder said he switched because he and his father, Frank Sr., admitted to being overly giddy about jumping at the first scholarship offer, which came from Colorado State. Then, when coach Jim McElwain left CSU, their decision was sealed.
“I didn’t think Fort Collins was the place I wanted to stay at,” Umu said. “I was already thinking about de-committing, but (the coaching change) was definitely a big factor … it was that first big offer. I just thought it was great, then eventually CU came around and offered.”
“CSU offered first and you don’ t know if another one’s coming,” Eagles coach Tyler Knoblock said. “It wasn’t a secret that (McElwain) might not be there.CU has kind of been his dream school. It’s an opportunity to play in a power-five conference (Pac-12).”
Umu was ranked among the top in-state prospects by all recruiting services. He saw limited action as a freshman before going on a three-year run as an Eagles starter. In 2015, he was named All-Colorado by The Denver Post, Class 5A all-South Metro League and league defensive player of the year. He had a team-leading 90 tackles, 17 for loss and 3.5 sacks among those.
“He’s a tough guy who puts in the work,” Knoblock said.
Umu has outstanding lower-body strength, flexibility and agility, Knoblock said.
Arapahoe coach Mike Campbell is a big fan.
“A total stud,” Campbell said. “As a junior, you noticed him on film because he was big and pretty physical. We kind of rolled then 38-0 and did what we wanted, but our line was probably better last year and he just manhandled us. He controlled the game from the D-tackle position.”
Umu, thrilled that he will have former Dallas Cowboy standout defensive lineman Jim Jeffcoat as his position coach, said he likes playing on the inside. And he likes his choice of college.
“I know where I’ll be to start building my future. Just knowing my future is secure, that’s great.”
Neil H. Devlin: ndevlin@denverpost.com or
