HBCU Legends

James Houston IV, 'The Problem' is Primed to Cause Problems for NFL Offenses

James Houston IV is primed and ready to cause problems for NFL Offenses in 2022.

Kyle T. Mosley

Watching James Houston IV at work is thing of beauty.  Not much has been said and the reading is few regarding Houston the from NFL draft media site. 

Houston is nicknamed "The Problem" for a good reason. The Jackson State defensive star made the highlight reel at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and East-West Bowl games, but the NFL failed to invite him to the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.

Why?

No one knows for sure. It was an inexplicable snub.

On Monday, Houston and his Jackson State teammates, who are also getting "Primed" for the NFL Draft, featured their skill at the JSU Pro Day. Coach Sanders invited thirty-six draft-eligible players from the HBCU and smaller schools in Mississippi to participate in the event.

James Houston IV
West quarterback Brock Purdy of Iowa State (15) is flushed out of the pocket by East linebacker James Houston IV of Jackson State (41) during the East\West Shrine Bowl at Allegiant Stadium

The Pro Day reports and even Coach Prime said 22 NFL teams were represented at the workout session. Coach Prime was ready to call out the 10 teams that were no-shows but didn't - yet.

Back to Houston. He did not disappoint with an outstanding showing. Pre-draft scouting reports have him listed as a "hybrid" or "tweener" as an outside linebacker/defensive end. Most likely, his skills can excel in a 3-4 defensive scheme.  

Shaw Kopelakis reported the edge rusher weighing 244 pounds, 20 more than his normal playing weight. Houston benched 22 times, ran between 4.6 to low 4.8 seconds in the 40, and jumped a 39-inch vertical.

Jackson State University's James Houston
Jackson State University's James Houston tries to stop University of Louisiana-Monroe's Rhett Rodriguez during their game at Malone Stadium in Monroe, La., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. Tcl Jsuvulm4; Credit:© Eric Shelton/Clarion Ledger via Imagn Content Services, LLC
USATSI_17164050_168388561_lowres
Jackson State University's James Houston tries to stop University of Louisiana-Monroe's Rhett Rodriguez during their game at Malone Stadium in Monroe, La., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. Tcl Jsuvulm4; Credit:© Eric Shelton/Clarion Ledger via Imagn Content Services, LLC

I wanted to see how his numbers compared to the current HBCU legend and NFL All-Pro, Darius Leonard's combine performance. Leonard was 234 pounds, ran 4.7 seconds in the 40, and bench pressed 17 times. Indianapolis selected Leonard as the No. 36 overall draft pick in the 2nd round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote about Darius Leonard:

  • After adding 50 pounds during his stay in college, his frame may be beginning to max out
  • Thin through arms and chest and lacks desired, NFL play strength

Who knew? Now Darius Leonard is a perennial All-Pro and has far exceeded expectations in the National Football League. You have to believe the same will be for James Houston.  

At the moment, Houston is grading as a mid-round selection. Did his Pro Day performance increase his stock? We shall see.

If not, those NFL teams who would pass will have "The Problem" to deal with for years to come.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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