Tavon Austin’s College Career
Tavon Austin’s collegiate career at West Virginia University was marked by electrifying speed, dynamic playmaking ability, and a penchant for making big plays. He quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in college football, showcasing his versatility and explosiveness on both offense and special teams.
Tavon Austin’s College Statistics
Austin’s statistics at West Virginia reflect his exceptional athleticism and offensive prowess. He finished his college career with 2,410 receiving yards, 28 receiving touchdowns, 1,028 rushing yards, and 13 rushing touchdowns. These numbers highlight his ability to make an impact as both a receiver and a rusher, making him a true offensive weapon.
- Receiving: Austin recorded 1,185 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his junior year, demonstrating his ability to consistently produce big plays.
- Rushing: In his senior year, Austin showcased his rushing ability, accumulating 643 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, proving his versatility as a playmaker.
- Special Teams: Austin was also a dangerous returner, averaging 28.5 yards per kickoff return and 12.6 yards per punt return in his college career, demonstrating his explosiveness and ability to create big plays in all facets of the game.
Tavon Austin’s Impact on West Virginia’s Offense, Tavon austin career stats
Austin’s impact on West Virginia’s offense was undeniable. His ability to stretch the field vertically and create big plays opened up opportunities for other offensive players. He also consistently drew double coverage, which allowed his teammates to operate with more freedom. His presence on the field created a sense of excitement and unpredictability for the Mountaineers’ offense.
- Explosive Plays: Austin’s speed and agility allowed him to create explosive plays consistently, transforming the West Virginia offense into a high-powered unit.
- Drawing Double Coverage: Austin’s reputation as a dynamic playmaker forced opposing defenses to dedicate extra resources to cover him, creating favorable matchups for other offensive players.
- Offensive Versatility: His versatility as a receiver and rusher made him a nightmare for opposing defenses to gameplan for, forcing them to adjust their strategies constantly.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths and Weaknesses as a College Player
Tavon Austin possessed several strengths as a college player, but he also had some weaknesses that would need to be addressed at the professional level.
- Strengths:
- Speed and Agility: Austin’s speed and agility were arguably his most impressive attributes, allowing him to outrun defenders and make difficult catches.
- Playmaking Ability: Austin had a knack for making big plays, whether it was catching a long touchdown pass, breaking off a long run, or returning a kick for a touchdown.
- Versatility: Austin’s ability to play both receiver and running back made him a valuable asset to the West Virginia offense.
- Weaknesses:
- Size and Strength: Austin was a smaller receiver, which raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.
- Route Running: Austin’s route running needed improvement, as he often relied on his speed and athleticism rather than precise route execution.
- Hands: While Austin was a dynamic playmaker, his hands were sometimes unreliable, leading to dropped passes.
Tavon Austin’s College Statistics Compared to Other Notable Wide Receivers in the Same Draft Class
When comparing Tavon Austin’s college statistics to other notable wide receivers in the same draft class, his production stands out. He was a highly productive player who consistently made big plays.
- DeAndre Hopkins: Hopkins, drafted by the Houston Texans, had similar production in terms of receiving yards and touchdowns, but Austin’s versatility and explosiveness on special teams made him a unique prospect.
- Cordarrelle Patterson: Patterson, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, was another highly touted wide receiver with impressive speed and athleticism. While Patterson had more receiving yards, Austin’s production as a rusher and returner made him a more versatile player.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
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Tavon Austin, a dynamic and versatile athlete, entered the NFL with high expectations after his electrifying college career at West Virginia. His speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a coveted prospect, and he was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. Austin’s NFL career, however, was marked by inconsistency and a struggle to find a defined role within offenses.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career Stats
Tavon Austin’s NFL career spanned eight seasons, with stints with the Rams, Cowboys, and Bills. Here is a season-by-season breakdown of his receiving statistics:
| Season | Team | Games Played | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Rams | 16 | 40 | 418 | 4 |
| 2014 | Rams | 14 | 58 | 568 | 2 |
| 2015 | Rams | 15 | 52 | 473 | 1 |
| 2016 | Rams | 13 | 28 | 210 | 1 |
| 2017 | Rams | 12 | 13 | 101 | 0 |
| 2018 | Cowboys | 11 | 11 | 124 | 1 |
| 2019 | Bills | 7 | 4 | 48 | 0 |
| 2020 | Bills | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Tavon Austin’s Performance in Different Roles
Austin was utilized in various roles throughout his NFL career, but he never truly excelled in any one position.
Rams (2013-2017)
With the Rams, Austin was primarily employed as a slot receiver and a gadget player. He showcased his speed and agility on screens, jet sweeps, and end-around plays. However, his lack of consistent route running and ball-catching ability limited his effectiveness as a traditional wide receiver.
Cowboys (2018)
Austin’s role with the Cowboys was similar to his time in St. Louis, where he was primarily used as a gadget player and a change-of-pace option. He had a few notable performances, including a 65-yard touchdown reception against the Atlanta Falcons, but his overall impact remained minimal.
Bills (2019-2020)
During his brief stint with the Bills, Austin was primarily a return specialist. He also saw limited action on offense, but his impact was minimal.
Factors Contributing to Tavon Austin’s Limited Success
Several factors contributed to Tavon Austin’s limited success in the NFL:
- Inconsistency: Austin’s performance was inconsistent throughout his career. He would have flashes of brilliance but often failed to maintain that level of play.
- Limited Route Running: Austin’s route running was not refined, and he struggled to create separation from defenders. This made him a less desirable target for quarterbacks, particularly in man-to-man coverage.
- Drops: Austin had a tendency to drop passes, which hurt his reliability as a receiver.
- Durability: Injuries also plagued Austin throughout his career, hindering his ability to stay on the field consistently.
- Role Uncertainty: Austin’s lack of a defined role in offenses contributed to his struggles. He was often used as a gadget player, but his limited skill set as a traditional wide receiver hindered his ability to contribute significantly in that role.
Tavon Austin’s Impact on the Game: Tavon Austin Career Stats
Tavon Austin’s career was marked by his unique skillset and electrifying plays, leaving a lasting impact on the game. He was a dynamic weapon for several teams, making a significant impact as a receiver, returner, and offensive threat. His speed, agility, and versatility made him a nightmare for defenses and a fan favorite.
Memorable Plays and Moments
Tavon Austin’s career was filled with memorable plays and moments that showcased his exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability.
- In college, Austin was known for his incredible speed and agility. He returned a punt 98 yards for a touchdown against West Virginia in 2012, a play that cemented his status as a dynamic playmaker.
- During his rookie season with the Rams, Austin returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. This play was a testament to his explosiveness and ability to make big plays in the return game.
- In 2015, Austin scored a 61-yard touchdown on a reverse against the Seattle Seahawks, showcasing his versatility and ability to create big plays in different ways.
Special Teams Contributions
Tavon Austin was a valuable asset on special teams throughout his career, particularly as a punt returner. His speed and elusiveness made him a threat to take any punt to the house.
- With the Rams, he was a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 after averaging 13.1 yards per punt return.
- Austin’s impact on special teams extended beyond punt returns. He was also a dangerous kick returner and even saw time as a gunner on the punt coverage unit.
Influence on the Wide Receiver Position
Tavon Austin’s unique skill set influenced the evolution of the wide receiver position, highlighting the value of speed and versatility.
- His ability to make plays in the return game, as a receiver, and even as a runner on reverses, showcased the importance of having players who could contribute in multiple ways.
- Austin’s success as a “gadget” player inspired teams to look for similar players who could create mismatches and big plays.
Comparison to Other Versatile Players
Tavon Austin’s style of play and impact can be compared to other versatile offensive players in NFL history.
- His ability to return punts and kicks, along with his role as a receiver and runner, drew comparisons to players like Deion Sanders and Devin Hester, who were known for their all-around athleticism.
- Austin’s speed and explosiveness were similar to players like Tarik Cohen and Cordarrelle Patterson, who have made a significant impact on the league with their versatility.
Tavon austin career stats – Tavon Austin’s NFL career stats paint a picture of a player with undeniable talent, but one who never quite lived up to his immense potential. His explosive speed and agility were evident from the start, showcased in his electrifying college career, which you can see in action by checking out tavon austin college highlights.
Despite his flashes of brilliance, Austin’s NFL journey was plagued by inconsistency and injuries, leaving many wondering what might have been.
Tavon Austin’s career stats are a testament to his electrifying speed and agility. A blur on the field, Austin’s ability to turn any play into a highlight reel moment was a defining feature of his time at West Virginia.
One game that stands out in particular is the tavon austin vs oklahoma showdown, where he showcased his explosive potential against a formidable opponent. Austin’s career stats, a collection of breathtaking moments, are a legacy of electrifying talent that will forever be etched in the annals of college football history.
