Film Don't Lie | Devan Houstan
The plan is coming together up front for the Irish in 2023. Defensive tackle was a critical need in this class and they are set up really well with a couple of potential 3-technique tackles in Brenan Vernon and Boubacar Traore and they just added a prospect with the potential to fit in nicely playing the 1-technique with the latest commitment from Devan Houstan.
A player who has experience playing all positions up front, he has the versatility and potential to be more than a two-down player for the Irish.
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 270
Projected Position: Defensive tackle
ISD Grade: 91 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 91.0 (4-star)
What he does best:
He has a good get off. The twitch at that size is impressive and he could be a disruptive one-gap player.
Though he mostly played at end, he did play inside as well and showed he was capable of splitting the double team. Houstan has long arms and plays long. This is a perfect example of him punching and separating before making a play.
I really like his potential as a pass rusher. He plays with a good motor, shows above average later quickness, and can be a bully as well.
What he needs to improve:
The big thing with him as a pass rusher is that his feet and hands don’t work together yet. It’s not uncommon, especially for big men who can win in multiple ways without having to use his hands better in high school.
I’d like to see him be more consistently violent and get off blocks a bit quicker.
What’s his ceiling? Houstan is the perfect body type that Notre Dame needs inside. He has the frame to put on the weight to be play as a nose, but should be someone who could play at either defensive tackle spot in a four man front. He’s likely going to need some time to physically and technically develop before he can play a significant role for Notre Dame, but he has the potential be a quality start as he progresses in the program. Who he could be: Jacob Lacey with a longer frame
UA Fighting Irish All Day Pullover
