Report: Houston failed drug test at NFL combine

Two days before he's expected to be picked early in the NFL draft, a report has emerged that former Georgia linebacker Justin Houston tested positive for marijuana at the NFL combine in February.

FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported on Tuesday that Houston and Iowa defensive lineman Christian Ballard both tested positive.

“If it is true, I’m in shock," Steve Pennington, who coached Houston at Statesboro High School, said. "And disappointed in him, and for him.”

Houston left Georgia after his junior season, when he had 10 sacks to lead the SEC during the regular season. He is projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick.

The failed drug test isn't good news, but it's also not necessarily devastating. Calvin Johnson also reportedly tested positive for marijuana before the 2007 draft, but was still picked second overall.

“If it is true, and that’s a big if, you only get one chance to make a first impression," Pennington said. "That’s something that I think Justin will have to work extra hard to prove his trust and accountability to whomever selects him.”