Interview: 4-Star 2020 LB Justin Houston Covers LSU Visit and Previews Oregon
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Over the last two seasons, Class of 2020 linebacker Justin Houston has done nothing but hand out grass stains for the opposition’s backside, aches and pains, and has just been a general nuisance for offenses. The 6-3.5, 190-pound, backer has all the versatility in the world to his game capable of lining up on the inside and outside proving to be equally capable against the run and the pass. His play has brought four-star recruiting status his way and 11 scholarships extended.
High school coaches in the Mission League that have gone up against Serra High School will be happy when No. 11 heads off to college. Houston turned in a breakout season in 2017 putting an end to 96 plays with five tackles for a loss, a pick, broke up four passes, and forced a fumble, all in 10 games. Houston was up to his same game during his junior season against Division I California squads taking down 105 ball carriers with five tackles for a loss, four passes broken up, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.
The 11 programs willing to accept a commitment from him today includes Arizona State, Boston College, Florida, Kansas, LSU, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Vanderbilt with interest still coming his way. Fresh off a visit to LSU and with another scheduled this weekend to Oregon, I caught up with Houston for an in-depth one-on-one.
Interview
Justin, you are a tackling machine on the field. What are you doing out there so well that allows you to be productive as you have been over the past two seasons?
“I have that mindset of being a dog. I know they will try to run away from me, so I have to go get it for myself.”
The uniqueness to your game is your versatility. If you will, run down where all you line up in the Cavaliers’ defense and the various responsibilities given to you on the field?
“I line up at outside linebacker sometimes but the majority of the time I am in the middle so teams will not run away from me. I am the defensive quarterback for my team, and I disrupt all the plays.”
Which game last season was your best and why do you consider that game to be your best?
“My best game last season, I don’t feel like I had a best game. If I had to pick, I’d say Long Beach Poly.”
Why did you pick the Poly game?
“I was on a mission. Whoever had the ball, I was going to track them down and get the tackle.”
How did your game improve last year?
“My leadership improved a lot last season. During my freshman and sophomore years, I played with captains in front of me, they showed me how to do it. I had to be the leader of the team this season. It was a big step for me.”
Are you staying in the versatile position in the middle or will we see you taking on a new role or multiple roles with the team?
“I am sticking to what I am playing now on defense. I may play a little receiver this season.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“This offseason I am working on my explosiveness, fast-twitch muscles, and getting bigger. I am improving my game mentally as well.”
You are a hit on the recruiting trail, which makes sense. What are the various coaches telling you they like about your skills?
“They tell me that I am very unique. They like that I am tall and lanky, and they know I will pick up the weight. Like you said before, they know I have the speed to track down the ball. You do not see that in every day linebackers.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I hold 11 offers.”
Which schools were the last couple to offer you?
“The last couple to offer were LSU, Kansas, Boston College, and Vanderbilt.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Oregon State, Louisville, Cal, and Notre Dame.”
Have you taken any recent visits?
“I just took a LSU unofficial for their spring game and I am going to Oregon this week.”
How did the LSU visit go?
“It was great. It was totally different than what you would think. It was very intriguing.”
What all did you do during the visit?
“They showed me around the campus; LSU is a big school. I saw the Tiger, which is my favorite animal. I ate great food out there too.”
What has you excited about visiting Oregon this weekend?
“I want to see the atmosphere there. Everyone talks about it. One of my friends just committed there. It will be exciting for me to take the visit.”
You have the planned visit to Oregon, are there any others you may take?
“I might take an unofficial to Arizona and Arizona State.”
As the recruiting process become more serious for you getting closer to your senior season, what will be the attributes of the program that earns your National Letter of Intent?
“The ideal school has to have great academics and a family-based program. It has to be about family at that school for me.”
Justin, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your Oregon trip.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RNG; No. 11 Justin Houston team captain