Eddrick Houston’s answers about his leg injury were short.
But the sophomore defensive tackle said what Ohio State fans want to hear.
“I feel good,” he said. “I’ll be ready Week 1.”
Week 1, of course, is the opener Aug. 30 against No. 1 Texas. Ohio State is replacing its entire starting defensive line from last year’s national championship team, and Houston is as important a piece of that as anybody.
The Buckeyes have depth at defensive end. But beyond nose guard Kayden McDonald, they lack proven players behind Houston at tackle. That’s why many held their breath when Houston injured his knee on the first day of training camp July 31.
Houston said he took “a wrong step (and) messed it up,” but declined to reveal details about the injury beyond that, terming it a “little minor setback.”
Houston was on the field the next day, though he didn’t do much in the two practices open to the public and reporters. He has ramped up participation since then.
“It feels great to be back on the field and be able to contribute and build these calluses for Week 1,” he said.
Houston said he wasn’t that frustrated by the injury because it gave backups needed practice reps. But the Buckeyes are counting on Houston to start living up to his billing as a five-star recruit.
“Eddrick, he’s a freak athlete,” McDonald said.
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“Eddrick is a fierce competitor,” senior defensive end Caden Curry said. “He fights hard. He plays hard every single play. We definitely need him.”
Houston was recruited as a defensive end. He was moved to the 3-tech tackle spot in the middle of last season to help lighten the load on Tyleik Williams. Houston took 141 snaps a year ago, according…
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Publish date : 2025-08-14 22:15:00
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