Ohio State picked up a massive commitment on Tuesday, earning a verbal pledge from Buford, Ga., five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston (6-3, 255).
Houston is the No. 23 overall prospect and fourth-ranked defensive lineman in 2024, and he is the second five-star defensive line commitment for Ohio State since defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau joined the Buckeyes in 2021 after classmate Justin Scott (6-4, 310) out of Chicago St. Ignatius.
Houston’s commitment to Ohio State comes after taking his official visit to Columbus from June 16-18, and also visited campus last fall. He chose the Buckeyes over his other top schools, including Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and USC.
A two-way player for Buford, Houston totaled 64 tackles (11 for loss) with 10 sacks and 15 quarterback pressures last season, and also saw snaps at tight end as the Wolves finished 11-1. He has also wrestled and competed in track and field.
While Houston mostly rushed off the edge for Buford, he offers positional versatility for Ohio State and could slide inside to tackle or shift off the ball, offering plenty of options for defensive line coach Larry Johnson and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Houston is the second defensive line commitment in the class, joining Scott. Ohio State also continues to pursue Tampa (Fla.) Wharton four-star defensive end Booker Pickett Jr. (6-3, 205) and Lafayette (La.) Acadiana four-star defensive lineman Dominick McKinley (6-5, 290).
