The blue-chip ration intensifies

On Saturday 4-Star defensive lineman Devan Houstan from St. James School in Hagerstown, Maryland, announced his commitment to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and its 2023 recruiting class. The 6’5” 270 pounder ranks in and around the top 200 across all networks, and chose the Irish over finalists such as the Michigan Wolverines, Penn State Nittany Lions, Northwestern Wildcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, and others.

Houstan, who is originally from Canada, is already a massive individual. While he has the skillset to play a three technique at Notre dame — he is likely a candidate to work at the nose.

247’s Evaluation:

Verified size with position intrigue as a defensive lineman or offensive lineman. Recruited to play defensive and has scheme versatility in a 4-3 or 3-4. Brother of Michigan basketball player Caleb Houstan. Plays both ways on football field and has multi-sport profile as basketball player. Possesses strength and thickness throughout frame. Is a physical, aggressive player. Competes from play to play. Productive on defense with 50 tackles, 7 1/2 sacks in eight games in 2021. Explosive at snap and covers ground quickly. Shows closing speed when moving down hill. Has active hands and shows solid technique with swim and spin moves. Able to sink hips and win leverage battles and combines stack-and-shed ability with re-direction along line of scrimmage. Shows ability to anchor and be tough against run. Plays heavy-handed and can drive offensive lineman back and collapse pocket when lining up inside. Best suited to play on the interior of defensive line. Plays with energy and effort but has to improve speed to chase play and be more impactful on back side pursuit in college. Improving change of direction lateral movement will increase athleticism and play-making ability. Improving move combinations is important. Multi-year starter at Top 20 program. Has late round NFL draft potential with ability to improve upon it.

Houstan is the 12th commitment of the 2023 class — a class that now represents 9 different states. The Irish continue to build on the lead they hold with the #1 recruiting class in that nation (for the moment).

Notre Dame has built a very strong defensive line group in the 2023 class, and still may add one more in the coming months. Al Washington has done a tremendous job since taking over for Mike Elston, who already had really good depth up and down the line as it is.

This is a nice pickup for the Irish and a big win. The Irish continue to win out on the trail and are pulling in blue-chip talent with every commitment.

FIST PUMPS UP FOR DEVAN!