Tavon Austin’s College Career: Tavon Austin Career Stats
Tavon Austin’s collegiate career at West Virginia University was a showcase of his explosive athleticism and versatility. He emerged as a dynamic playmaker, leaving a lasting impact on the Mountaineers’ offense. His exceptional speed, agility, and receiving skills made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, earning him numerous accolades and setting the stage for a successful NFL career.
Austin’s Performance at West Virginia
Austin’s impact on the West Virginia offense was undeniable. He dominated as a receiver, showcasing his incredible speed and route-running ability. He also contributed significantly as a return specialist, displaying his explosiveness and elusiveness. Austin’s contributions were crucial in West Virginia’s offensive success during his time there.
- In his junior year (2012), Austin broke the NCAA single-season all-purpose yards record with an astounding 3,444 yards, surpassing the previous record held by Barry Sanders.
- He was named a consensus All-American and earned the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver in 2012.
- Austin’s 2012 season included 1,289 receiving yards, 843 rushing yards, and 1,312 kickoff return yards, showcasing his versatility and impact across the field.
Comparison with Other Prominent College Players
Austin’s statistics compared favorably with other top receivers in college football during his era. His explosiveness and versatility set him apart as a unique talent.
- He averaged 18.8 yards per reception in his college career, a figure that surpasses the averages of other notable receivers like Amari Cooper (16.4), Sammy Watkins (17.6), and Mike Evans (15.7) during their respective college careers.
- Austin’s 3,444 all-purpose yards in 2012 surpassed the single-season records of players like Reggie Bush (2,590), Percy Harvin (2,372), and LaDainian Tomlinson (2,244) during their respective college careers.
Austin’s Impact on the West Virginia Offense
Austin’s presence on the field transformed the West Virginia offense. His ability to stretch the field vertically and horizontally created mismatches for opposing defenses. His speed and agility allowed him to break tackles and gain yards after the catch, making him a threat on every play.
- His explosiveness and ability to make big plays opened up opportunities for other offensive players, making the West Virginia offense more dynamic and unpredictable.
- Austin’s versatility allowed him to be utilized in various roles, including receiver, running back, and return specialist, adding a new dimension to the Mountaineers’ offense.
Austin’s Potential as an NFL Player
Austin’s exceptional college performance, coupled with his remarkable athleticism, made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft. His speed, agility, and versatility were highly coveted by NFL teams, and he was projected to be a significant contributor at the professional level.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was marked by flashes of brilliance but also by inconsistencies and a struggle to find a consistent role. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, he was initially envisioned as a dynamic offensive weapon, capable of making big plays as a receiver, runner, and returner.
St. Louis Rams (2013-2017)
During his time with the Rams, Austin’s role evolved. He started as a versatile offensive weapon, but his usage shifted towards a more traditional wide receiver role as his career progressed. His most productive season came in 2015, where he recorded 58 receptions for 506 yards and four touchdowns. However, his inconsistency and struggles with drops often hampered his effectiveness. Despite his flashes of brilliance, Austin’s role with the Rams gradually diminished, leading to his departure in 2018.
Dallas Cowboys (2018)
After a brief stint with the Cowboys in 2018, Austin was released due to a lack of playing time. He was unable to carve out a consistent role in the Cowboys’ offense, and his impact was limited.
Other Teams (2019-2020)
Austin continued his NFL journey with brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins in 2019 and 2020, respectively. His impact on these teams was minimal, as he struggled to find a consistent role and was ultimately released.
Yearly Statistics
Year | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns | Return Touchdowns |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | St. Louis Rams | 40 | 418 | 2 | 52 | 341 | 1 | 2 |
2014 | St. Louis Rams | 57 | 503 | 2 | 33 | 184 | 1 | 0 |
2015 | St. Louis Rams | 58 | 506 | 4 | 26 | 130 | 1 | 0 |
2016 | Los Angeles Rams | 25 | 224 | 1 | 34 | 157 | 0 | 0 |
2017 | Los Angeles Rams | 13 | 145 | 1 | 24 | 88 | 0 | 0 |
2018 | Dallas Cowboys | 11 | 108 | 0 | 3 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
2019 | San Francisco 49ers | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2020 | Miami Dolphins | 1 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Tavon Austin’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was marked by a blend of explosive athleticism and inconsistent production. Understanding his strengths and weaknesses provides insight into why he was a dynamic playmaker at times, yet struggled to achieve consistent success throughout his career.
Strengths
Tavon Austin’s unique blend of speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a dangerous weapon in the NFL. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field and create big plays was a significant asset to any team he played for.
- Exceptional Speed and Agility: Austin’s 4.25-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine showcased his blazing speed, which he used to consistently outrun defenders. His quick feet and agility allowed him to make sharp cuts and change directions effortlessly, making him difficult to tackle in the open field.
- Elusive Running Style: Austin possessed a knack for making defenders miss, utilizing his agility and balance to slip through tackles. His ability to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact was a valuable asset, allowing him to turn short gains into explosive plays.
- Route Running Abilities: Despite his smaller stature, Austin was a capable route runner, showcasing good hands and the ability to create separation from defenders. His quickness and agility allowed him to run precise routes and get open against both man and zone coverage.
Weaknesses, Tavon austin career stats
While Austin’s strengths were undeniable, his weaknesses ultimately limited his impact in the NFL. His size, durability, and consistency were areas that he struggled with throughout his career.
- Limited Size: At 5’8″ and 174 pounds, Austin’s size was a significant disadvantage against larger NFL defenders. He was often overpowered in physical matchups and struggled to consistently win contested catches, especially against bigger cornerbacks.
- Durability Concerns: Austin was prone to injuries throughout his career, which hampered his ability to stay on the field consistently. His smaller frame and explosive playing style may have contributed to his injury susceptibility.
- Inconsistent Production: Despite his flashes of brilliance, Austin’s production was inconsistent throughout his career. He struggled to maintain a high level of play on a week-to-week basis, which limited his overall impact on the game.
Tavon austin career stats – Tavon Austin’s career stats paint a picture of a player with undeniable speed and explosiveness, making him a dynamic threat in the return game and on offense. His time with the Dallas Cowboys, though brief, offered a glimpse of his potential in a new system.
To learn more about his journey with the Cowboys, tavon austin dallas cowboys , and how his experience shaped his career stats, check out this detailed look back. While his career trajectory may have taken unexpected turns, Austin’s impact on the field remains undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on fans and teams alike.
Tavon Austin, a name synonymous with electrifying speed and agility, left an indelible mark on the gridiron. His journey through the NFL, filled with dazzling returns and electrifying plays, is a testament to his raw talent. To delve deeper into the numbers that define his career, you can explore tavon austin career stats , a comprehensive look at his achievements and contributions.
From his explosive starts to his impressive receiving skills, Tavon Austin’s career stats tell a captivating story of a player who defied expectations and consistently brought excitement to the game.