He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft.

During his senior year he rushed for 426 yards and six touchdowns, before moving exclusively to cornerback.

During his junior year in Fayetteville, he was a Pro Football Weekly All-American honorable mention and All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection by the league's coaches and Associated Press.

He finished his college career with 89 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and a touchdown for the Razorbacks.

After his junior year, Houston decided to forgo his senior season with the Hogs and enter the 2007 NFL draft.