Jordan Houston commits to Maryland football: Terps land 3-star running back

Maryland football picked up its third commit in as many days Monday as three-star running back Jordan Houston joined his Flint Hill teammate Trey Rucker in the Terps’ Class of 2019.

Houston is the No. 8 all-purpose back in the country and the No. 18 overall prospect in Virginia, per the 247Sports composite rankings. The Terps were in early on Houston, extending an offer in early January. After amassing 23 offers, he released a top five on July 20 of Maryland, Virginia Tech, Michigan, Michigan State and North Carolina.

Houston’s acceleration, top-end speed and exceptional change of direction made him nearly impossible to tackle in high school. The 5’9, 180-pound back rushed for 25 touchdowns and almost 2,000 yards as a junior, averaging 11 yards per carry. He added 342 yards and four touchdowns through the air on only 10 receptions. This is where his “all-purpose back” designation comes from.

After signing three running backs in the Class of 2017, Maryland skipped the position altogether in 2018. Houston is the first Terps running back commit since Anthony McFarland made the call in late January of 2017. Coincidentally, their playing styles aren’t too different.

Houston was the only junior named to First Team All-Met by the Washington Post in 2017. He helped lead Flint Hill to a perfect 11-0 record and a Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I championship.

With Houston’s commitment, the Terps’ Class of 2019 jumps from No. 68 to No. 58, per the 247Sports team rankings.