James Houston Drafted by Lions; Deion Sanders' 1st Draft Pick as Jackson State HC

The Detroit Lions selected Jackson State edge-rusher James Houston with the 217th overall pick in the NFL draft on Saturday.

Houston is the first ever player drafted under Deion Sanders, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and Jackson State head football coach who took over the program in 2020.

Jackson State made it to the Celebration Bowl last year under the leadership of Sanders, who led the program to an 11-2 record.

Houston played a big part in that success with 70 tackles, seven forced turnovers, and 16.5 sacks. He was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl and did well.

Bill Smith shouted out his efforts in a postgame piece.

"Jackson State linebacker James Houston was another bright spot for the East as he had a big hit in the run game, stopping Ty Chandler for a loss. He was also able to put pressure on Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy in the fourth quarter. Houston is an intriguing prospect after transferring from Florida. He had 16.5 sacks last season for head coach Deion Sanders."

He has advocated for all draft prospects from HBCU schools.

There was an HBCU pro day in Mississippi last March, but 10 teams did not attend.

If I catch you at Mississippi State or Ole Miss, it will be a problem. I am only saying that it is going to be a problem. He said that the kids were that good and that he should have shown up as well.

At least a few attendees of the pro day were expected to be drafted.

Cameron Wolfe @CameronWolfe

Jackson State HC @DeionSanders giving speech before pro day field drills feat @nflnetwork @shawn_kopelakis:

“You ball you get the call. I’m expecting a few of y’all to get the call. There’s no way we’re going another year without a player from HBCU getting drafted. That’s a lie” pic.twitter.com/nmNxosTWX5

It is no surprise that the Lions are giving Houston a chance, especially after Brad Holmes, a graduate of HBCU North Carolina A&T, wants to give more football prospects from those schools.

"We just need opportunities, man," he said in part.

I know that they are just as good and they have the same ability, so I don't put anyone behind the eightball. It's just giving them the chance.

Houston is getting a chance in Detroit.