Football

March 2, 2007

Houston Ready for Takeoff

By Tim and Tom Readling

SaMario Houston

Former Catawba linebacker SaMario Houston has been drafted by the Berlin Thunder in the 12th round of the NFL Europe Free Agent Draft. He will join fellow SAC linebacker Tim Clarke (Lenoir-Rhyne) whose name was also announced on Sunday to play for the Thunder.

The NFL Europe Free Agent Draft was not deprived of well-known players who will have their chance to one day make an NFL roster spot. Notables among the 2007 NFL Europe draftees are Omar Jacobs (Bowling Green), Rashaun Woods (Oklahoma State), and Quentin Griffin (Oklahoma).

Houston was one of eight Division II players selected in this year's draft.

While at Catawba, Houston earned All-SAC Freshman Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2002. He was also a two-time First Team All-SAC pick in 2003 and 2004. After his 2003 campaign, the former Indian was selected to the All-Region Second Team. In 2005, Houston was tabbed as a Preseason All-American by Football Gazette.

The Berlin Thunder is a team familiar with Catawba football tradition. The NFL Europe franchise has employed current San Francisco 49er Defensive Line coach Jim Tomsula as a Defensive Coordinator and has drafted former Catawba two-time All-American Defensive Lineman DeVonte Peterson.