Recruiting Spotlight: Tristian Houston

The train continues to roll with news that the Longhorns received a commitment from North Shore (Galena Park, TX) running back Tristian Houston. Houston is the 10th commitment in the class and the first running back taken by the new staff. Jordan Stevenson was committed to the old staff, but it appears he will have his commitment honored.

Houston received his offer today and committed on the spot. Houston was incredibly productive for the power house North Shore program, running for 1500 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging nearly ten yards per carry. His commitment is important for a position group headlined by two seniors, and the injured Jonathan Gray. The Longhorn staff looks to be in the middle of running back evaluations with offers out to several players and room to take one or two more at the position.

Houston is ranked a three star by Rivals and ranks 67th in the state. At 5’11, 200 lbs, Houston does not come off as a game breaker as much as a solid one cut runner. Tristian selected Texas over offers from LSU, Maryland, Arkansas, Mississippi State, and UCLA. So what does the film say about him? Let’s check it out below.

Film Analysis: Houston shows well as a one cut runner with efficient movement who gets up field in a hurry. His speed is adequate but not plus, and he doesn’t have much wiggle. Houston has decent change of direction skills and shows the ability to run with some power and fall forward at the end of runs. His patient feet might be his best asset as they allow him to keep moving and not lose momentum while trying to navigate in traffic. His frame looks like it could take on some growth to allow him to play at 215 lbs or so. He doesn’t show great breakaway speed in the open field and runs a bit stiff, but his vision and feet allow him to produce the way he has. Film review didn’t provide much in the way of the receiving game, but Houston showed he could step up and pick up a blitz with his powerful frame. I’d like to see him improve on his agility and add some sharper cuts to his running style, because I think it would help him create space at the next level. He certainly has some nice tools to build on, but will require some work in the weight room and with Coach Robinson to develop into a guy that can contribute on the 40 Acres.

Final Verdict: Bottom line, there’s a reason he put up the production he did for a big time program. The talent is there, but is a bit rough right now. His three star ranking is probably right on at this point in time, though he certainly has the chance to improve that ranking during his upcoming senior year. Anybody can improve the minute they step on campus, but if I were to forecast his future right now I’d say he’s a rotation back who certainly helps the team but doesn’t look like a player who will be the star of that group. Everything is there for him to prove me wrong and he seems like a kid who will go to work immediately to do just that. Congratulations to Tristian.