The HBCU drafted player count is now up to three as Jackson State edge rusher James Houston IV has been selected with the 217th overall pick in the sixth round by the Detroit Lions.
He is the first Jackson State player to be selected in the draft since the Minnesota Vikings took wide receiver Jaymar Johnson in the sixth round in 2008.
In addition, Houston is the first SWAC player to be taken in the draft since 2019.
Houston played three seasons with the University of Florida before transferring to Jackson for the 2021 season.
The former Gator put forth a dominant performance finishing second in the FCS in tackles for loss (24.5), tied for second in sacks (16.5), and first in forced fumbles (7).
He was named to the All-SWAC first team and the FCS Stats Perform All-American first team.
Jackson State finished the regular season a perfect 10-0, going on to win their first SWAC championship since 2007.
The Tigers were the fourth ranked defense in the country allowing just 14.9 points per game.
Back-to-back 'backers!
Welcome to Detroit, @Jthouston_4!#LionsDraft | @powerhomesolar pic.twitter.com/3M4m1aS0k1
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 30, 2022
