Closer Look: Eddrick Houston A Complete Defender On The Edge

Ohio State signed defensive end Eddrick Houston out of Buford High School in Buford, Georgia. As a senior, Houston posted 45 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks in 12 games. He finished with 64 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 15 quarterback pressures as a sophomore.

Houston was a five-star prospect, ranked the No. 26 player in the 2024 recruiting class and the No. 7 defensive lineman overall per the 247Sports Composite. He signed with Ohio State over offers from Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and every other major college football power.

What To Like

Eddrick Houston (6-3 270) already looks like a college defensive end despite being just a true freshman. He is an explosive athlete with length who can cover a ton of ground in just a few steps. However, he is also capable of retracing those steps for screens and misdirection plays (see below).

Houston is a powerful pass rusher who spent his time at Buford playing defensive end in a 3-4 alignment. There is some thought that he might grow into a three-tech defensive tackle, but Ohio State wants him at defensive end for the foreseeable future.

Wherever the ball goes, Eddrick Houston will follow. pic.twitter.com/SrHM2MkbSt
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) July 27, 2024

The Potential

A defensive end in a 3-4 alignment has to be comfortable playing on the interior. Eddrick Houston’s comfort level is evident in the clips below. He is a dominating run defender who explodes into the backfield just as OSU defensive line coach Larry Johnson teaches. Houston isn’t responsible for every tackle but his disruption is impossible to ignore.

In terms of potential, there is a reason every major college program regardless of defensive scheme wanted to sign Houston. He is a powerful, explosive, and athletic defensive end who can be a three-down player. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him slide inside on passing downs for the Buckeyes down the road.

Eddrick Houston is a relentless and powerful run defender. pic.twitter.com/iskoX5PgWv
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) July 27, 2024

The Expectations

The Buckeyes were fortunate that Eddrick Houston enrolled in January and got to work right away on filling his tool box. His spring game clips below show the results of his early work. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day mentioned this past week that Houston has flashed the most of the defensive freshmen, but the depth chart ahead of him was a barrier to playing time.

Larry Johnson was able to get true freshman Chase Young and redshirt freshman Jonathon Cooper early snaps in 2017 when the Buckeyes had a foursome of Nick Bosa, Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis, and Jalyn Holmes, so if Houston shows he’s ready, Johnson can find some time for him.

A look at most of Eddrick Houston's snaps from the spring game. He finished with six tackles and a sack. pic.twitter.com/WkvWe6UsDZ
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) July 27, 2024

The Bottom Line

Getting snaps for Eddrick Houston this year will not come at the expense of the Buckeye defense, nor at the expense of Houston’s confidence. Larry Johnson wants his freshmen to be put into positions to succeed, which means picking and choosing favorable situations against favorable opponents.

The 2024 season will be a learning experience for Houston. Next year, however, the Buckeyes will need him in heavy rotation. Based on the early reports and his overall skill set and potential, he should be ready for whatever comes his way. And don’t be surprised when he has some moments this year as well.

Quarterbacks don't hold the ball long when Eddrick Houston is on the other side of the line. pic.twitter.com/npg8yNpi5B
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) July 27, 2024

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