Pick Is In: Predicting Buckeyes to land five-star defensive end

COLUMBUS — Ohio State needs the next wave of five-star defensive ends to arrive as part of the 2024 recruiting cycle.

I am officially placing a prediction for one of them to be on the way.

Following the official visit weekend and some information learned in the last week, I am placing an On3 expert prediction for the Buckeyes to earn a commitment from Buford (Georgia) five-star defensive end Eddrick Houston. That prediction follows up that of my Lettermen Row teammate Matt Parker, who predicted Houston to pick the Buckeyes earlier this week.

My confidence level is set at 65 percent.

Houston would be the first five-star defensive end to commit to Ohio State since the 2021 cycle, when the Buckeyes landed both Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau.

Ohio State did a great job on Houston’s official visit last weekend, according to Lettermen Row sources. And that comes after positive intel toward the Buckeyes from On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons earlier this week.

Eddrick Houston was back at Ohio State, and the buzz continues to grow around the Buckeyes. USC set the bar high with Houston back in May, but Ohio State is the school the Trojans and others are chasing. Alabama will have their chance this weekend. Clemson and Georgia look to be down Houston’s list with an Aug. 22 decision date set. Based on all the chatter, Ohio State will be very tough to beat.

Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting

Houston will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend, but the pull from the Buckeyes is expected to be too much to overcome.

Ohio State certainly has pitched development under defensive line coach Larry Johnson as a reason for Houston to trust the Buckeyes with his college career. He spoke about that

“It’s definitely about Larry Johnson and what he’s been able to do,” Houston told On3’s Chad Simmons. “But you’ve also got Ryan Day, an amazing coach and has a great plan for his kids being better people. The coaching staff in general is always talking to me, and staying connected. That’s a big thing for me.

“Coach Johnson, he’s able to develop you on the field — you’ve seen Nick Bosa, Joey Bosa and Chase Young — but also off the field. He can develop you as a person, he’s a religious man, doesn’t curse at you during practice. He just wants to make you a good man and help you think and do right.”

All of these reasons is why I am picking Eddrick Houston to join the Ohio State recruiting class that is already ranked No. 3 nationally.

Eddrick Houston On3 scouting summary

Twitched up edge defender who wins with get off and burst. Ran a solid 56.46 400m during his sophomore track and field season and also competed in the shot put and discus. Has positional flexibility due to size and athleticism, could potentially move off the ball to an inside linebacker prospect or gain serious mass and kick inside to a 3-technique. Shows off athletic ability and physicality at the point of attack on offense as well at the tight end position. Lacks ideal length for the edge but makes up for it with his hand usage and understanding of leverage.

The post Pick Is In: Predicting Buckeyes to land five-star defensive end appeared first on On3.