Tavon Austin’s College Career: Tavon Austin Career Stats
Tavon Austin was a dynamic and versatile offensive weapon during his time at West Virginia University, showcasing exceptional speed, agility, and playmaking ability. He left a lasting impact on the Mountaineers’ program, becoming one of the most electrifying players in college football history.
Tavon Austin’s Statistics at West Virginia
Austin’s statistics at West Virginia highlight his remarkable versatility and offensive prowess. He was a dual-threat player, excelling as both a receiver and a running back. His receiving and rushing numbers demonstrate his ability to make big plays and contribute significantly to the Mountaineers’ offense.
- Receiving: Austin recorded 2,410 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns in his three seasons at West Virginia. He averaged an impressive 16.7 yards per catch, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays.
- Rushing: Austin rushed for 1,489 yards and 13 touchdowns, demonstrating his speed and elusiveness in the open field. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry, highlighting his ability to make defenders miss and gain significant yardage.
Tavon Austin’s Achievements and Awards
Austin’s exceptional talent and performances earned him numerous accolades and recognition during his college career. He received widespread praise for his dynamic playmaking ability and consistently delivered impactful performances on the field.
- 2011 Biletnikoff Award: This prestigious award is presented annually to the nation’s outstanding receiver. Austin’s electrifying performances in 2011, including a remarkable 1,185 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, earned him the coveted Biletnikoff Award.
- 2011 First-Team All-American: Austin’s dominance in 2011 led to his selection as a First-Team All-American, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s top offensive players.
- 2012 First-Team All-Big 12: Austin’s continued success in 2012 earned him another First-Team All-Big 12 selection, highlighting his consistent performance and impact on the Mountaineers’ offense.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Austin’s collegiate career showcased his unique combination of strengths and weaknesses, which ultimately shaped his transition to the NFL. His strengths made him a dangerous offensive weapon, while his weaknesses presented areas for improvement at the next level.
- Strengths:
- Speed and Agility: Austin possessed exceptional speed and agility, allowing him to outrun defenders and make quick cuts in the open field. He was a threat to score from any point on the field.
- Playmaking Ability: Austin’s ability to make plays in both the passing and running game made him a versatile and dangerous offensive weapon. He could create big plays on his own, making him a valuable asset for the Mountaineers.
- Ball Skills: Austin’s hands were reliable, allowing him to make difficult catches and secure the ball in traffic. His ability to track the ball in the air and make contested catches was a significant asset.
- Weaknesses:
- Size: Austin’s small stature (5’8″, 174 lbs) was a concern for some scouts, as it limited his ability to consistently win contested catches and withstand physicality in the NFL.
- Durability: Austin was prone to injuries during his college career, which raised concerns about his ability to handle the rigors of a full NFL season.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin’s NFL career spanned eight seasons, showcasing his electrifying athleticism and versatility but also grappling with inconsistency and injury concerns. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, Austin quickly became a fan favorite for his explosive playmaking ability. While he never quite lived up to the lofty expectations surrounding him, he still carved out a solid career as a dynamic weapon for multiple teams.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career Statistics
Austin’s career statistics provide a snapshot of his impact on the field. He amassed 2,913 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 284 receptions, demonstrating his ability to make big plays as a pass catcher. He also showcased his explosiveness as a runner, accumulating 1,042 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 248 carries.
- Total Receptions: 284
- Total Receiving Yards: 2,913
- Total Receiving Touchdowns: 17
- Total Rushing Attempts: 248
- Total Rushing Yards: 1,042
- Total Rushing Touchdowns: 11
Tavon Austin’s Impact on the Rams
Austin’s time with the Rams was marked by both brilliance and frustration. He quickly emerged as a dynamic playmaker, showcasing his speed and agility as a receiver and returner. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field and create big plays was evident throughout his time in St. Louis.
- 2013: Austin’s rookie season saw him return a punt for a touchdown in Week 1, setting the tone for a promising start. He finished the season with 41 receptions for 408 yards and two touchdowns, along with 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
- 2014: He had his most productive season with the Rams, recording 57 receptions for 589 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 259 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 47 carries.
- 2015: He continued to be a key offensive weapon, catching 47 passes for 473 yards and four touchdowns. His 2015 season was also highlighted by a 98-yard punt return touchdown in Week 16.
Tavon Austin’s Time with the Browns and Cowboys
After his time with the Rams, Austin spent time with the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys, seeking to revive his career. He struggled to find consistent playing time with both teams, facing competition for snaps and battling injury concerns.
- Cleveland Browns (2017): He played in 11 games for the Browns, catching 13 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown.
- Dallas Cowboys (2018): He appeared in 14 games for the Cowboys, catching 13 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown.
Tavon Austin’s Legacy and Impact
Tavon Austin’s career, though not reaching the heights many predicted, left a lasting mark on the NFL. His unique blend of speed, agility, and versatility carved out a niche for him as a game-changer, even if he didn’t always consistently deliver on his potential.
Austin’s Unique Skillset
Austin’s legacy is built on his explosive playmaking ability. He possessed a rare combination of speed and agility that made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field and his knack for turning short gains into big plays were undeniable assets. He was a nightmare for defenses, capable of breaking a game open with a single play.
- Electrifying Speed: Austin’s 4.25 40-yard dash time at the 2013 NFL Combine showcased his blistering speed, making him one of the fastest players in the league. This speed allowed him to create separation from defenders, making him a dangerous deep threat and a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
- Exceptional Agility: Austin’s agility was just as impressive as his speed. His quick cuts and sharp changes in direction made him difficult to tackle, allowing him to elude defenders in the open field. This agility made him a valuable asset in the return game, where he could make defenders miss and create big plays.
- Versatility: Austin’s skillset allowed him to play multiple positions, making him a valuable weapon for offensive coordinators. He lined up as a wide receiver, running back, and even returned kicks and punts, adding another dimension to his game.
Challenges and Limitations, Tavon austin career stats
Despite his undeniable talent, Austin’s career was marred by inconsistency and a lack of sustained production. His small frame and lack of size made him susceptible to injuries, limiting his durability. His route running and hands were also questioned, hindering his effectiveness as a traditional wide receiver.
- Durability: Austin’s small frame (5’8″, 174 lbs) made him vulnerable to injuries. He suffered from multiple injuries throughout his career, including concussions, hamstring strains, and knee injuries, which hampered his ability to stay on the field consistently.
- Route Running and Hands: While Austin was a threat in the open field, his route running and hands were areas where he struggled. He wasn’t known for his precise route running or his ability to make difficult catches, which limited his effectiveness as a traditional wide receiver.
Impact on the Game
Despite his inconsistency, Austin’s impact on the game was undeniable. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, forcing defenses to account for his speed and agility. His ability to create big plays and change the momentum of a game was a valuable asset to his teams. Austin’s legacy will be remembered as a player who could make an impact in a variety of ways, even if he never quite reached his full potential.
- Game-Changing Plays: Austin’s speed and agility made him a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field. His ability to make defenders miss and turn short gains into big plays gave his teams a chance to win even when they were behind.
- Defensive Attention: Austin’s presence on the field forced opposing defenses to focus on him, opening up opportunities for other players. His ability to draw attention away from other players was a valuable asset to his teams.
- Return Game: Austin was a dangerous returner, averaging over 10 yards per punt return and 24 yards per kickoff return during his career. His ability to create big plays in the return game was a key component of his overall impact on the game.
Tavon austin career stats – Tavon Austin’s career stats paint a picture of a player who possessed undeniable speed and elusiveness, but his impact on the field often felt fleeting. While his time with the Rams saw him primarily used as a return specialist, he also found success in the receiving game, showcasing his explosive potential.
It was during his time with the Dallas Cowboys that Austin’s career seemed to take a turn, where he was primarily utilized as a gadget player, showcasing his unique skillset. Despite the various roles he filled throughout his career, Austin’s stats highlight a player who consistently brought excitement to the game with his speed and agility.
Tavon Austin’s career stats, while showcasing his electrifying speed and agility, often spark conversations about what could have been. It’s a similar story for Stedman Bailey , whose career was tragically cut short due to a shooting. Both players had immense potential, and their stories serve as reminders of the fragility of athletic careers and the importance of appreciating every moment on the field.