Rushing the passer has long been an issue for Texas, but the 2024 recruiting class continues to provide some possible answers.

Zina Umeozulu, a four-star edge rusher from Allen, pledged to Texas on Tuesday. He’s the second blue-chip edge to recently commit to Texas, joining Duncanville’s Colin Simmons. The five-star Simmons tops 247Sports' list of recruits in the state while Umeozulu ranks as the No. 41 player in the state and a top-20 edge rusher nationally.

More: Texas lands crucial commitment from Duncanville five-star DE Colin Simmons

The younger brother of current UT offensive lineman Neto Umeozulu, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Umeozulu fielded offers from virtually every blue-blood program in the nation. He made official visits to Texas, Oklahoma and Texas A&M before selecting the Longhorns.

Texas coaches hope the dual threat of Simmons and Umeozulu on the edge can help end a disappointing drought. The Longhorns haven’t had a player reach double-digit sacks in a season since Jackson Jeffcoat in 2013.

Texas currently ranks No. 18 in 247Sports' composite ratings.

More: Golden: One year later, Texas knows its top priority vs. Alabama — keep Quinn Ewers safe

A double-digit drought

It’s been almost a decade since Jackson Jeffcoat racked up 13 sacks in 2013, the last time any Longhorn produced double-digit sacks in a season. Here’s a look at Texas' single-season sack leaders over the past nine seasons.

2022: DE Barryn Sorrell, 5½

2021: LB Ben Davis, 2½

2020: DE Joseph Ossai, 5

2019: DE Joseph Ossai, 5

2018: DE Charles Omenihu, 9½

2017: DE Charles Omenihu, LB Malik Jefferson and LB Breckyn Hager, 4

2016: LB Breckyn Hager, 6

2015: LB Peter Jinkens, 6½

2014: DT Malcom Brown, 6½

More: Texas football's defense seeks redemption in rematch with Alabama

Head of Texas' class

Texas has received commitments from 17 players for 2024; players can begin signing letters of intent on Dec. 20. These recruits are listed in order of their 247Sports composite rankings:

Colin Simmons, edge, Duncanville, 5 stars

Jerrick Gibson, RB, IMG Academy (Florida), 4 stars

Jordan Johnson-Rubell, CB, IMG Academy (Florida), 4 stars

Freddie Dubose, WR, Smithson Valley, 4 stars

Zina Umeozulu, edge, Allen, 4 stars

Aeryn Hampton, CB, Daingerfield, 4 stars

Jordan Washington, TE, Houston Langham Creek, 3 stars

Christian Clark, RB, Phoenix, Ariz., 3 stars

Santana Wilson, CB, Scottsdale, Ariz., 3 stars

Daniel Cruz, OL, North Richland Hills, 3 stars

Trey Owens, QB, Houston Cypress-Fairbanks, 3 stars

Parker Livingstone, WR, Lucas Lovejoy, 3 stars

Alex January, DL, Duncanville, 3 stars

Melvin Hills, DL, Lafayette, La., 3 stars

Nate Kibble, OL, Humble Atascocita, 3 stars

D’antre Robinson, Orlando, Fla., 3 stars

Michael Kern, P, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 3 stars

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas football strengthens pass rush with another pledge from top edge