Today, we at NFL Draft Diamonds were informed that Houston Bates the former Defensive End/Outside Linebacker from Illinois will be transferring back to his stomping grounds in Louisiana. Bates has decided to pick Louisiana Tech and finish out his collegiate career closer to home. His coach in Illinois released this statement

“Houston is a terrific and bright young man, who was a great teammate on our football team,” said head coach Tim Beckman in a statement. “We certainly would have liked to have Houston remain on the team, but he indicated that he wanted to finish closer to home and his family. We wish him nothing but the best as he moves on in his career.”

After starting two games in both 2011 and 2012, Bates started all 12 games as a junior last season. He finished second on the team with 12 tackles for loss, a total that was good for ninth in the Big Ten. His 3.5 sacks were second on the team as well. Expect him to tear it up in LA Tech.