5-star DL Eddrick Houston commits to Ohio State: 'It is the standard'

Buford (Ga.) five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston considered schools coast-to-coast.

His top five included programs closer to home like Georgia, Alabama and Clemson, but he also had major interest in both USC and Ohio State. His recruitment ultimately came down to the two future Big Ten programs, but the Buckeyes tradition of success and defensive line development ultimately won out.

After giving a silent commitment to Ryan Day and Co. back in June, Houston announced his decision publicly on Tuesday night.

“I have had Ohio State at the top for a while,” he told On3. “They know how to win, compete and coach players. Ohio State is a top program, Columbus is a great city and I know Coach Larry Johnson can develop me. I like the community, the people around it stand out to me and that school was just different for me. I had some other top contenders on my list, but Ohio State is my top school. It is the standard, and it’s the school for me.”

The Trojans made a strong push. Clemson was his top school early in the process. But once Ohio State took the lead, it remained on top until he committed.

“I went into my official visit with Ohio State on top,” he said. “I gave them that silent commitment on that visit. That feeling I had told me it was the right school. I knew it before the visit, but that visit told me I was 100% ready. I told Coach Day and Coach Johnson, and it was a great moment.”

Ohio State fan base and Larry Johnson were key factors for Eddrick Houston

After visiting Columbus multiple times over the past year, Houston also felt at home up in Ohio. It was the second-furthest from home of any program he was strongly considering, but the atmosphere at the Horseshoe and the vibe around Columbus was exactly what he was looking for.

“I have been for the Notre Dame game and my official visit, and the fan base is amazing,” he said. “I love the hype. They love the players, make a lot of noise, and it is an overall amazing place to play.”

More than anything though, what drew him to the Buckeyes was Johnson and the way he has developed elite defensive linemen in recent years.

“His development and coaching are really big for me,” Houston said. “He has coached Nick Bosa, Joey Bosa, Chase Young and others for the NFL. He knows how to coach, he has great at teaching his players and I like his style. He is already sending stuff to help me. And he shows me why he wants me and why he feels Ohio State is best for me. Coach Johnson was a big part of why I chose Ohio State, and he is a coach I know that can help me and get me to the next level.”