Signed: Eddrick Houston Gives Ohio State an Elite Edge Prospect

As the Buckeyes' first batch of National Letters of Intent were sent in, reports began to circulate that Buford's own Eddrick Houston, a five-star defensive end, would be flipping from Ohio State to Alabama.

Sources around Buford believe five-star Eddrick Houston will flip to #Alabama. Updates coming in here: https://t.co/33ITULqQ7k

— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) December 20, 2023

Buckeye fans had to wait all morning for the final word from Houston, who held his signing ceremony at 1 p.m. in Buford.

But just when things were at their bleakest for Ohio State's defensive line class, Houston shocked the national insiders and stuck with his OSU commitment.

Houston is the No. 26 prospect in the country per the 247Sports composite rankings, the fifth-best defensive lineman and fifth-best recruit out of Georgia. He was offered and courted by a who's-who of college football including Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, USC, Florida State and Michigan.

Following his official visit to Ohio State on June 16th, Houston committed to the Buckeyes on Aug. 22. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson was a big draw for the Peach State product.

“I love the way Larry Johnson coaches and the way he develops kids,” Houston told Eleven Warriors.

Houston recorded 64 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and 10 sacks as a junior then 46 tackles with 12 tackles for loss and five sacks as a senior. He forced five fumbles in his final year at Buford.

For a player whose recruitment had largely been quiet since his commitment four months ago, Alabama and Clemson made a major late push for the game-changing defensive lineman. He visited both schools this past weekend, but ultimately the Buckeyes were able to stem the tide and hold onto his pledge.

Eddrick Houston A giant from the Peach state, he looks to make even bigger waves rushing the passer and ruining the days of offensive lineman in the Scarlet and gray. He only has one mode, and its GO. Welcome to THE Brotherhood Eddrick.
#2THE4THE x @HoustonEddrick0 pic.twitter.com/PXFBMpXCqL

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 20, 2023

Per Houston, Johnson's plan is to use him as a premier quarterback attacker and run-game disruptor. He also has the versatility to slide inside to defensive tackle if needed.

“I’d fit in as an edge rusher," Houston said after his OSU visit. "He really wants me – if I choose Ohio State – to be the best version of myself and not be like all the others that came through here. He’s going to develop me in the way that he knows best, and that will be good for me. He told me he liked my leadership and how I’m always there to help the younger players and coach them up."

His signature helps soften the blow of losing five-star defensive tackle Justin Scott, the nation's No. 3 defensive line prospect, who flipped his commitment from Ohio State to Miami on Nov. 29 after more than four months of being a Buckeye pledge.

Three-star Mountain View (Stafford, Va.) defensive lineman Eric Mensah joins Houston in the position room for Ohio State's recruiting class of 2024.