Charles Omenihu was destined to be a Texan.
Born in Houston, Omenihu spent most of his childhood in Rowlett, Texas. During his high school career at Rowlett High School, he wore No. 7, the same number Jadeveon Clowney wore at the University of South Carolina. At the University of Texas, Omenihu switched to No. 90.
Now, Houston's newest defensive end will get to play alongside Houston's No. 90 and begin his pro football career in his home state of Texas.
"It's a blessing, definitely a blessing," Omenihu said via conference call. "My friends and family can definitely come and watch me play. Just a dream that's finally been fulfilled and like I said, just a blessing. I can't thank the Houston Texans enough for giving me this opportunity."
The Texans selected Omenihu (6-5, 280) with their fifth round draft pick (161st overall). Omenihu was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year and First-Team All-Big 12 by the AP and coaches following his senior season in 2018. In the Big 12 Championship Game against Oklahoma, Omenihu had three tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. He recorded two tackles for loss in the Lonhorns' 28-21 win over Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
"Omenihu's length is what helps make him special," Texans football analyst and sideline reporter John Harris said. "At the Senior Bowl, in particular, he gave a bunch of offensive linemen problems because they could never get into his person. He kept them at bay and then used his quickness and agility to win at the line of scrimmage. He made a ton of disruptive plays at Texas over his final two years and that's what helped get him drafted by the Texans."
Omenihu was a four-year defensive end who played in 51 career games with 33 starts, recording 99 total tackles (68 solo), 29.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for the Longhorns.
From the University of Texas, DE Charles Omenihu was picked by the Texans in the 5th round (161st overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. (via AP Images)
Texas' Charles Omenihu before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu (90) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State , Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas' Charles Omenihu (90) waves to the crowd after an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Brad Tollefson)
Texas' Charles Omenihu during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu (90) celebrates a stop against USC during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Austin, Texas. Texas won 37-14. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas' Charles Omenihu (90) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Austin, Texas. West Virginia won 42-41. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu (90) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State , Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
North defensive end Charles Omenihu of Texas (90) runs through blocking dummies during practice for Saturday's Senior Bowl college football game, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
North defensive end Charles Omenihu of Texas (90) runs blocking drills during practice for Saturday's Senior Bowl college football game, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
North defensive end Charles Omenihu of Texas (90) before the start of the Senior Bowl college football game, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu participates in a drill during the 2019 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Sunday, March. 3, 2019. (Perry Knotts via AP)
