Ohio State Freshman Defensive End Eddrick Houston Sheds Black Stripe

After Ohio State's eighth preseason practice, Houston became the fourth freshman to shed his black stripe with the Buckeyes, joining wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, quarterback Julian Sayin and safety Jaylen McClain.

The Rushmen just added a STUD, welcome to the brotherhood, @HoustonEddrick0 pic.twitter.com/PKicov5Dt1

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 9, 2024

The No. 26 overall prospect in the 2024 class, Houston is one of four composite five-star freshmen on Ohio State's roster, along with Smith, Sayin and cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. When the Buckeyes signed him in December 2023, head coach Ryan Day said Houston can be an immediate contributor for the Ohio State defense.

"We are really, really excited about Eddrick," Day said. "We feel like he's an impact player (from) day one. It's been a long process to get to Signing Day here, but we identified him early as someone who's a difference-maker."

Throughout the winter, spring and summer and into preseason practices, Houston has proven to be just that: a difference-maker. During Ohio State's seventh preseason practice, one of five that have been open to the media, Houston shined at defensive end, collecting tackles for loss and quarterback pressures on several reps against the Buckeyes' backup offensive tackles.

While JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. remain ahead of him on the depth chart, Houston finds himself in a similar position as Mitchell Melton and Joshua Mickens entering his freshman season. That is, find a way to earn snaps and then make those snaps count.

If C.J. Barnett's introduction was any indication, Houston will do just that.

"This guy's lived up to the hype so far, making plays all over the field," Barnett said.