Four-star DL Devan Houstan commits to Notre Dame football

Hagerstown (Md.) St. James School class of 2023 defensive lineman Devan Houstan announced his commitment to Notre Dame football Saturday.

The four-star prospect picked the Fighting Irish over Michigan, Northwestern, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and Wake Forest.

“I’d definitely say the family feel there; the culture is amazing at Notre Dame,” Houstan recently told Blue & Gold. “They very much have a brotherhood over there, and they love their football team. The support from the student body is really amazing.

“I definitely like their 4-for-40 pitch — setting me up for life after football. There’s a time where you have to hang up the cleats, so you want to be set up for after it. Notre Dame has a network that can benefit me in the future.”

Former Irish defensive line coach Mike Elston extended an offer to Houstan last October. At that time, Houstan only held offers from Central Michigan, Maryland and Wake Forest. Elston left Notre Dame for Michigan in January, but new position coach Al Washington instantly built a strong connection with Houstan.

They had a great time together when Houstan visited South Bend at the end of January.

“He’s a great guy,” Houstan said of Washington. “Meeting him, he has a certain energy to him. He’s very passionate about the game. I can definitely see myself learning from him. His energy was through the roof, and I was appreciative of that.”

Houstan also raves about Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman.

“They’re all great people,” Houstan added on the Irish staff. “Nothing felt forced; it was all natural. When I talked to Coach Freeman, he was talking about what Notre Dame could do for me in football and after I’m done playing. My mom and I really enjoyed talking to Coach Freeman and getting a sense of where he sees me in their defensive scheme.”

Houstan ranks as the nation’s No. 216 overall player and No. 28 defensive lineman according to the On3 Consensus. He’s ranked as the No. 6 player in Maryland, but Houstan is actually from Mississauga, Ontario in Canada.

Notre Dame is up to four defensive line commitments, with Houstan joining Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep’s Keon Keeley, Mentor (Ohio) High’s Brenan Vernon and West Roxbury (Mass.) Catholic Memorial’s Boubacar Traore.

Houstan was named to the 2021 All-Mid-Atlantic Conference team for his efforts as a junior. He recorded 50 tackles (8.0 for loss), 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in leading St. James School to a 7-1 record.

He was also listed on the 2021 Washington County Athletics Association first-team defense. He received the Yellott Award, which goes to his county’s top defensive lineman.

Houstan’s older brother, Caleb, averaged 10 points and four rebounds per game for the Michigan basketball team in 2021.

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Houstan has moves beyond football

Being a Canadian-born high-profile football recruit who relocated to the United States is interesting in itself, but that’s just where it begins for Houstan.

He’s been a competitive hip-hop dancer since he was eight years old and was with The Renegades Toronto dance team before his football career took off.

At his size, folks who meet the new Notre Dame commit probably wouldn’t guess that he’s got the moves.

“I surprise a lot of people,” he said. “It’s always funny to see some people’s reactions.”

Having a background in dancing has actually made it easier for him progress as a pass rusher.

“It definitely helps in terms of coordination and transferring your weight,” he said. “It’s helped me understand my body more. Also, I’m quicker now. I’m better at setting up my pass rushing moves with my coordination. I pick up on the rhythm of it quicker.”

More details on Houstan

Houstan wasn’t able to play high school ball in Canada for the 2020 season due to COVID-19 related reasons. With no sophomore season, he needed to improve his chances of getting noticed as a junior. Thus, he made the move to the United States after hearing about St. James School.

“I wanted the opportunity to play Division I football and some day make it to the NFL,” Houstan said. “I wanted to come here and play against better competition and get put on a bigger platform. It worked, thank God.”

Houstan recalls a moment when his head coach sat him down at the beginning of last football season and told him that with his size and skills, he’d become a Division I prospect. That’s when it clicked with Houstan that he had a shot to play at the next level.

“I didn’t have any expectations, but I didn’t think it’d come this fast,” said Houstan, who holds 20 Power Five offers. “I remember when I got my first offer [from Maryland], and I called my mom. She was crying; it was definitely a blessing. I have to keep my head on straight, stay humble and keep working.”

Houstan is undecided on exactly what he wants to study in college but is interested in becoming an athletic trainer after his playing career.

“He brings an energy to the classroom,” St. James defensive coordinator Colin Ponder said. “He has fun in there and makes other students have fun and want to be there. He’s a really good student and has a larger than life personality.”