Meet the Star-Telegram high school football Defensive Player of the Year
Introducing the Star-Telegram Defensive Player of the Year: North Crowley junior safety Elijajuan Houston.
Houston’s season was so remarkable that he earned District 3-6A MVP, an honor typically bestowed upon a quarterback, running back or receiver.
To break that mold takes a special season. Houston had 66 tackles, a team-high three interceptions, nine pass breakups, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries to help the Panthers advance to the Class 6A Division I regional finals.
Newly promoted North Crowley head coach DeMarcus Harris, who served as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator in 2024, said Houston is a player who looks at football like a business.
“When it gets to be two hours before the game, he is locked in,” Harris said. “He is focused on the job. He is a guy that makes all the checks and all the calls for us. He can play a ton of positions. And he covers up a lot of mistakes from everyone else.
“He is a true safety. Really, he is a safety net.”
His excellence goes beyond the stat sheet, as he has commanded the respect of his peers, District 3-6A coaches and college football recruiters. What North Crowley calls a “no fly zone” was spearheaded by Houston’s standout play.
The Panthers conceded 19 points per game with the help of Houston’s leadership, which Harris said is vocal and by example. His hard work speaks volumes.
“He may be the best practice player I’ve ever been around in my life,” Harris said. “He shows how to practice, how to prepare and how to take care of your body. And then he encourages a lot of the guys. He demands a lot from the guys who are playing with him. He gets them going.”
Houston, a three star uncommitted recruit with a 5-foot-11, 170 pound frame, has offers from Baylor, Houston, Michigan, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, SMU and more.
“Off the field, he is sitting around a 3.9 or 4.0 GPA,” Harris said. “He is an AP student. He is taking college courses. But he just goes about his business like a pro. That’s what makes him so great. That’s what makes him who he is. And he is a great teammate. He is always trying to help out the young people.
“He is helpful in the community. He helps out the little league teams. He just does a great job everywhere. He is a kid that you want to be the face of your program.”
Houston is one of three talented defensive backs set to play for the Panthers next season. Five-star prospect John Meredith III has announced he is transferring from Euless Trinity to North Crowley, and four-star prospect Jerry Outhouse Jr. is returning for his senior season.
Star-Telegram awards
The Star-Telegram is releasing high school football awards throughout the week:
Monday: Defensive Player of the Year
Tuesday: Offensive Player of the Year
Wednesday: Coach of the Year
Thursday: Player of the Year
Friday: 2025 All-Area Super Team
This story was originally published January 12, 2026 at 4:30 AM.
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