Virginia OL signee Houston Curry believes the Cavaliers' future is bright
In January, Tony Elliott and his staff at Virginia landed a handful prospects in the trenches ahead of National Signing Day.
The Cavaliers received a commitment from defensive lineman Terrell Jones, while also adding pledges from a half-dozen offensive linemen. One of the o-linemen they added to the fold was Houston Curry, who hails from Simpsonville (South Carolina).
Curry, who joined their 2022 class on Jan. 21 after receiving an offer just two days before, spoke with On3 about his decision to team up with the Cavaliers.
“It was definitely one of those things where me and my parents talked a lot,” Curry said. “I prayed a lot through it. I kind of woke up one morning and had a feeling that Virginia is the place. It just felt right. That’s when I called them and told them I was ready.”
Curry shares his thoughts on new head coach Tony Elliott
Tony Elliott, who was hired by Virginia on Dec. 10, 2021, is a familiar name not only to Curry, but others in the Palmetto State as well. Along with coaching at Clemson for a decade, Elliott played with the Tigers in the early 2000s.
Having prior knowledge of Elliott’s coaching acumen and his character off the field played a key role in Curry’s decision.
“Growing up in South Carolina, I was a Clemson fan my whole life,” Curry said. “So, I knew him when he was at Clemson. Just from hearing stories about him, I knew he was a great coach and a great person. Thought he is definitely a person I want to play for.”
In 2018 and 2019, Virginia put together two strong seasons that resulted in a 17-10 combined record, including a win over South Carolina in the Belk Bowl. They’ve not finished above .500 the past couple of years, but Curry sees his future team getting back on track.
“I think we definitely have some good days ahead of us,” Curry said. “Great coaching staff. Ready to see what the future has to hold.”
Who is Virginia getting in Houston Curry?
Listed at 6-foot-7, 265 pounds, Curry is both literally and figuratively a big get for Virginia. The Hillcrest High School product opened up about who the Cavaliers are getting when he enrolls on campus this summer.
“Definitely, I pride myself off the field as well as on the field,” Curry said. “My faith in God. They’re getting a guy who’s going to come in and work his tail off. Do whatever he can to help the team win.”
We would be remiss if we did not bring up one of the people who greatly assisted in Curry’s development: Amos Lamb. Lamb, who went from North Greenville University to an NFL player with the now Washington Commanders in the 2000s, has passed on his knowledge to the likes of Curry, Clemson signee Collin Sadler, and others.
Curry credited Lamb for how much he’s helped him in his path to becoming a Division 1 football player.
“I wouldn’t be the player I am today without Coach Lamb,” Curry said. “He’s helped me a lot in this journey. As long as I’m playing football, I will train with Coach Lamb because I wouldn’t be the player I am today if I hadn’t started working out with him. He’s definitely developed me into the player I am today.”