Tavon Austin’s Career Timeline
Tavon Austin’s professional football career was a journey marked by flashes of brilliance and the challenges of adapting to different roles. His journey started with a standout college career at West Virginia, which propelled him into the NFL draft, and continued through various teams, showcasing his unique skillset as a dynamic offensive weapon. This timeline provides a detailed account of his career, highlighting key moments, teams, and accomplishments.
College Career at West Virginia
Tavon Austin’s electrifying play at West Virginia University established him as one of the most dynamic offensive players in college football. His exceptional speed, agility, and receiving skills made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He showcased his versatility, playing as a wide receiver, running back, and even returning kicks and punts. His standout performances earned him numerous accolades, including the 2012 Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver. His remarkable college career played a significant role in his selection as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams.
St. Louis Rams (2013-2016), Tavon austin age
Tavon Austin’s arrival in St. Louis was met with high expectations. The Rams envisioned him as a game-changing offensive weapon, utilizing his speed and agility in various roles. He started his career as a wide receiver, showcasing his ability to create big plays with his explosive speed. However, his role evolved throughout his time with the Rams, transitioning to a more hybrid role, including running back, slot receiver, and even returning kicks. While he faced challenges in consistently fulfilling his potential, he contributed significantly to the Rams’ offense. Some of his notable moments with the Rams include a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown in 2013, showcasing his explosive speed, and a 71-yard touchdown reception in 2015, demonstrating his ability to create big plays as a receiver.
Dallas Cowboys (2017)
After four seasons with the Rams, Tavon Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2017. He joined a team with a strong offense and high expectations. However, his time with the Cowboys was relatively brief and marked by limited playing time. He struggled to find a consistent role within the Cowboys’ offense, and his contributions were minimal.
Cincinnati Bengals (2018)
In 2018, Tavon Austin joined the Cincinnati Bengals, hoping to revive his career. He played a limited role in the Bengals’ offense, primarily serving as a return specialist. While he had a few notable moments, including a 93-yard punt return touchdown in Week 1, his overall impact was minimal.
Buffalo Bills (2019)
Tavon Austin’s final NFL stop was with the Buffalo Bills in 2019. He signed with the team hoping to contribute to their offensive scheme. However, he only played in four games before being released, marking the end of his professional football career.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths and Weaknesses as a Player
Tavon Austin was a dynamic and electrifying player in the NFL, known for his exceptional speed, agility, and versatility. However, his career was also marked by challenges related to his size and durability. This section will explore the unique strengths that made Austin a valuable asset to teams, as well as the areas where he faced limitations.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths
Austin’s primary strength was his incredible speed. He was widely considered one of the fastest players in the NFL, capable of breaking away from defenders in the open field. This speed made him a dangerous threat as a receiver, returner, and even as a runner on designed plays. He could take a short pass or a handoff and turn it into a big gain with his explosive acceleration.
“He’s got the speed to take it to the house every time he touches the ball,” said former Rams coach Jeff Fisher. “He’s a game-changer.”
Austin’s agility was another key asset. He was able to make sharp cuts and change directions quickly, making him difficult to tackle in the open field. This agility also allowed him to create separation from defenders in his routes, giving him an advantage in catching passes.
Austin’s versatility was perhaps his most valuable trait. He could line up in the slot, outside, or even in the backfield, giving offensive coordinators flexibility in their play-calling. He was a threat to score from anywhere on the field, making him a difficult player for defenses to game plan against.
“He’s a weapon that can be used in so many different ways,” said former Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. “He can be a receiver, a returner, a running back, a gadget player. He’s a real Swiss Army Knife.”
Tavon Austin’s Weaknesses
One of Austin’s biggest challenges was his size. At 5’8″ and 174 pounds, he was undersized for a wide receiver, which made it difficult for him to win contested catches against bigger defenders. He also struggled with blocking, as his size and strength made it difficult for him to engage with bigger defenders.
Another challenge for Austin was his durability. He missed significant time throughout his career due to injuries, particularly to his ankle and his hamstring. This lack of durability made it difficult for him to build consistency and establish himself as a reliable offensive weapon.
Areas for Improvement
While Austin’s speed and agility were undeniable assets, his route-running skills could have been improved. He sometimes struggled with his route precision and his ability to create separation from defenders, particularly against tight coverage.
Austin’s blocking skills were also an area where he could have improved. As a smaller receiver, he often struggled to engage with bigger defenders, which limited his effectiveness as a blocker in run plays.
Tavon Austin’s Legacy and Impact on the Game: Tavon Austin Age
Tavon Austin’s impact on the NFL was not solely defined by his statistics, but by the unique dynamic he brought to the field. His versatility as a receiver, runner, and return specialist made him a true game-changer, capable of turning any play into a highlight. While his career was ultimately cut short due to injuries, his contributions to the Rams and the game of football left a lasting impression.
Impact on the Rams Offense
Tavon Austin’s arrival in St. Louis injected a new dimension into the Rams’ offense. His ability to stretch the field as a receiver and make defenders miss in the open field created opportunities for other players. Austin’s speed and agility made him a threat on every play, forcing defenses to account for him at all times. This constant threat opened up space for other receivers and running backs, making the Rams’ offense more unpredictable and explosive.
“Tavon was a special player,” said former Rams quarterback Sam Bradford. “He had a unique ability to make big plays, and he always kept defenses on their toes.”
Comparison to Other Players
Tavon Austin’s unique skill set made him difficult to compare to other players in the NFL. While some might draw parallels to players like DeSean Jackson or T.Y. Hilton for their speed and elusiveness, Austin’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways set him apart. His versatility as a receiver, runner, and return specialist was rare, making him a true game-breaker.
Impact on the Game of Football
Tavon Austin’s impact on the game of football can be seen in the increasing emphasis on offensive versatility and the use of dynamic players like himself. His ability to line up in multiple positions and make plays in different ways forced defenses to adapt and adjust their schemes. Austin’s success showcased the value of players who could create mismatches and exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses.
Potential for Coaching or Scouting
Tavon Austin’s experience and knowledge of the game could make him a valuable asset in a coaching or scouting role. His understanding of offensive schemes and the ability to identify talent would be valuable to any team. While he may not have had a long career on the field, his unique perspective and understanding of the game could help him succeed in a different capacity.
Tavon austin age – Tavon Austin, a former NFL wide receiver, was known for his speed and agility. It’s interesting to note that his name is often confused with tayvon austin , a young man whose tragic death sparked national outcry. While both names share a similar spelling, they are distinct individuals.
Tavon Austin’s age, as of today, is 32, making him a veteran in the world of professional football.
Tavon Austin, a standout wide receiver known for his speed, entered the NFL in 2013 at the age of 22. That year, the 2013 NFL Draft saw Austin selected by the St. Louis Rams with the eighth overall pick. He was a dynamic playmaker who quickly made an impact on the league, showcasing his exceptional speed and agility on the field.
