This year, the bulldog football team acquired a huge transfer from the University of Texas. Yes, I will say it again, the University of Texas. In high school he was ranked as the number 20 running back in his class, had six division one offers from UT, Mississippi State, UCLA, Texas A&M, Oregon State, and Arkansas. As a graduate transfer, he was looking to play ball somewhere else as Texas just wasn’t home anymore, and that is when the Dawgs came knocking at Tristian Houston’s door.
“My second year at UT, I kind of lost the love for the game, but my passion for it was still there. I was fortunate enough to make the roster and travel, but I didn’t get the privilege to play until the last few games on special teams.”
I was able to talk with Houston about how difficult the division one atmosphere is. He discussed how, at the end of the day it is all still football, but the main difference is the resources provided. He told me at UT he was given everything he wanted. He liked it, he said, but he loves the opportunity now to work for everything he is given here at Southwestern. Most players in his position, coming from the division one ranks, would not be as humble and hopeful as the kid from North Shore, Texas is.
“After my second year, I lost the confidence I had when I first got to Texas. It wasn’t the same anymore, but coming to SWOSU has completely brought it all back. Brought my swagger back that I had lost playing at UT. Don’t get me wrong, I am very grateful for my time there, but SWOSU has opened doors and now I am able to walk through them.”
Houston has already had an impact on the team. His first game in back three years, against Southeastern Oklahoma State, he ran the ball five times with 37 yards and two scores. He told me that he felt great out there. I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to the game, and Houston was a man amongst boys. He wasn’t able to open up as he was dealing with a hamstring injury, but you could see glimpses of the potential that he has. Oh, and his excitement you might ask? It was unmatched. He looked like a kid on Saturday mornings going to the little league game.
In Houston’s second game with the Dawgs, they took on East Central, it looked like ECU had his number as he carried the ball nine times for 31 yards and no touchdowns, but again you saw something that was just about to unleash. In warmups, Houston looked almost 100% as he was running, cutting, juking, yeah it seems Houston is poised for greatness.
We are all looking forward to see where he goes this season, just anticipating his breakout game, and his success off the field as he is just a great individual. Be sure to follow his career here at SWOSU and after, because I believe that his ceiling is extraordinarily high.
Comments