For a few hours on the first day of the Early Signing Period, it looked as if Ohio State’s class was moving toward yet another weak finish, specifically on the defensive line, as rumors swirled about Buford, Ga., five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston (6-3, 265) potentially flipping to Alabama.
It led to many experts switching their picks for Houston from the Buckeyes to the Crimson Tide, with many considering it a matter of when instead of if Houston would depart the class. But, as Houston announced at Buford High School – during head coach Ryan Day’s press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, during which Day left to take a call from Houston – he decided to stick with his initial pledge to Ohio State and sign with the Buckeyes.
“Really, really excited about Eddrick,” Day said on Wednesday shortly after Houston’s announcement. “This is somebody who Larry (Johnson) worked hard on this one. Comes from an incredible program down at Buford. We feel like he’s an impact player from day one. It was a long process to get to signing day here, but we identified him early as someone who was a difference maker.”
Houston is one of five five-star prospects that have either signed or announce their intent to sign with Ohio State, and he is one of just two – along with cornerback Aaron Scott – on the defensive side of the ball. Houston reaffirming his commitment is even more important given that outside of his signing, the Buckeyes have just one other defensive lineman signed in three-star tackle Eric Mensah.
While the numbers are not what most expected for Ohio State’s defensive line, bringing in just two prospects out of now, Day said the staff worked hard for the current group that is highlighted by Houston and what he will bring to the table for the Buckeyes.
“Again, I give Larry a lot of credit for the relationships he built down there,” Day said. “Tim Walton did a great job as well. … That was a big one for us, for sure.”
