Houston gains crucial experience
John Houston starts as a sophomore linebacker at Gardena (Calif.) Serra and that is important because he's learning from some quality teammates but also because he's getting such early recruiting exposure.
Since it's so early for the 2015 prospect, his recruitment is not that important to him at this point. More than anything, learning from veterans Ardis Perez, 2014 standout Dwight Williams and others comes first.
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"I'm learning a lot from my teammates and my coaches," Houston said. "They've been teaching me a lot out there every day. If I just keep stepping up I feel I can do a lot of good things.
"I really listen to Dwight and Ardis, really everybody. It's such a good atmosphere where I can learn from them and get all the good material from them. That's what I like to get from all of them."
It has been a solid start for Houston, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound prospect who shined this summer at some 7on7 events, and Gardena Serra, which has defeated Sherman Oaks (Calif.) Notre Dame and Long Beach (Calif.) Poly to open the season.
Houston speaks like a grizzled veteran already.
"It's a good stepping stone," Houston said. "We need to improve from this game and continue to get better through the season so we can get to the state championship.
"I believe it because it's from hard work and dedication. I put in all the extra work and I need to keep stepping up."
As for recruiting, Houston said Colorado has been showing some interest but since he's a sophomore that not many other colleges have gotten involved yet.
Because Houston has so many teammates that are being recruited, it could be inevitable that Houston is one of the next in line at Gardena Serra.
"It's still too early for me," Houston said.