Offers pile up for RB Austin
Offers are mounting for one of the top prospects in the mid-Atlantic, running back Tavon Austin. The 5-foot-9, 160-pounder claims nearly a half dozen scholarships. Does he have any favorites?
"Maryland offered me back when I was in tenth grade," he said. "I also have offers from Rutgers, Virginia, Boston College and Penn State. Penn State just offered me. I've also heard that Tennessee's is on the way or they are about to offer."
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What does the Baltimore (Md.) Dunbar prospect think of the offers to date?
"All of them are really good, but I haven't visited anywhere," he said. "I'm just waiting to see if the coaches will play me at the position they are recruiting me for. I'm waiting for now."
A number of other schools including Florida, Georgia and more are also showing interest.
Is there a favorite for Austin?
"I always liked Florida and Florida State," he said. "I like the schools down south because when I was watching them, nobody was beating them. I don't think I'm really leaning towards those teams anymore though."
Without any clear favorites, the Maryland prospect discussed what he wants in a school.
"I just want a college where I can touch the ball even if I'm not the star running back," he said. "I want to show my abilities and get the ball in my hands.
"I also don't think I really want to go that far away, six or seven hours. I don't want it to be that long."
While he hasn't visited schools yet, Austin will in the near future.
"I'm probably going to Virginia next weekend on the 24th," he said. "I'm heading to Penn State on March 1st and I'm going to try to get up to Notre Dame and Boston College."
Last month Austin earned honorable mention honors at the U.S. Army All-American combine.
"It was a different experience. I did a lot of things, showed my speed, moves and the majority of the team I beat them. I was catching much better than most of the running backs there."
Austin accounted for 1,700-yards of offense and 42 total touchdowns last season for Dunbar as he led them to a second straight championship.
"I ran for 1,200-yards my sophomore year, but this time around I got the ball more. I averaged 17 to 20 carries a game."
Austin wrapped up by discussing his strengths and weaknesses at this time.
"My speed really sticks out and the way I can move. I can catch really well too," he said. "The big thing I have to work on is probably my weight. I'd be really good running through holes if I were a little bigger. I want to get up to 175 or 180-pounds before I leave high school."