Ed Oliver to Houston: Cougars Land 5-Star DT Prospect

One of the top defensive players in the class of 2016 is off the board, as Ed Oliver committed to the Houston Cougars on Thursday, per Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle.

Gerry Hamilton of ESPN added more on what this signing means for the Cougars:

Image credit: 247Sports

Oliver, who stands 6'2" and weighs 277 pounds, attends Westfield High School in Houston. He's considered a 5-star defensive tackle in the 247Sports' composite rankings and comes in as the No. 13 prospect in the country, the No. 5 recruit at his position and the No. 2 player in the state of Texas.

Oliver has been a force in the interior of Westfield's defensive line the past two seasons, accumulating 146 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, seven sacks and one fumble recovery.

His older brother, Marcus Oliver, committed as an offensive lineman to Houston in 2014.

Interior defensive linemen who can collapse the pocket and generate a pass rush are worth their weight in gold. Given his athleticism and scheme versatility, he appears like the type of player who will not only make an impact early on in his career but will do so in varying roles.

The Cougars just improved on the defensive side of the ball, in other words.

Recruit star ratings and information via 247Sports, unless otherwise noted.