Derek Houston is Sacramento State’s tone-setting linebacker with proven tackle production
Houston has been a dependable, physical presence for Sacramento State: in 2024 he played all 12 games, started the final three at linebacker, and tied for second on the team with 62 tackles, then followed with 32 tackles in six injury-shortened 2025 games, including 14 at South Dakota State in the opener. He also earned preseason All-MAC recognition in 2026, which says evaluators see starting-caliber impact, not just empty-box-score production. If you want a linebacker who arrives downhill, plays with edge, and can anchor the middle when healthy, Houston looks like a strong fit.
