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ES Getting to know: Terrence Austin: the playmaker


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[CENTER][IMG]http://www.homermcfanboy.com/images/austin051110.jpg[/IMG]

[I](courtesy photo)[/I][/CENTER]

We’re not going to lie. We were genuinely excited when the Washington Redskins drafted UCLA receiver/returner “Stone Cold” Terrence Austin with the 219th pick in the 2010 draft.

Sure, it’s completely foolish to get your hopes up on a seventh-round pick, but that wasn’t stopping us. Generously listed at 5-foot-11 and 172 lbs., Austin isn’t the biggest dog in the fight. But his arrival to Ashburn represented a new chapter and yet another reason for hope of brighter days.

We won’t say anything negative about Rock Cartwright, who was let go after spending eight seasons in Washington. He was a stand-up guy, who was always willing to answer tough questions after a loss. Even though he was never anything more than a third-string runningback, Cartwright was well respected by his peers. And as a kick returner, Cartwright was dependable. He wasn’t flashy. Simply put, he was solid, but unspectacular.

As for our thoughts on punt returner Antwaan Randle El; we’d rather not go down that road again. When the Redskins released him this offseason, many wondered why countless fans were waving goodbye as he cleaned out his locker for the last time. They weren’t being rude; they were simply mimicking Randle El’s time as a punt returner by signaling for a fair catch.

With both Cartwright and Randle El gone, the Redskins are clearly in need of a return specialist. Our hope, as soon as Austin was drafted, was that he would be the first Redskins returner to strike fear in opponents since Brian Mitchell.

We caught up with Austin during the team’s second minicamp to learn more about the Redskins’ most exciting UCLA seventh-round pick since safety Chris “The Predator” Horton.

If you could, take a moment to tell ‘Skins fans a little bit about yourself.

“I’m a playmaker,” Austin said, immediately separating himself from Randle El. “I’m a really tough guy for my size and I’m someone who is really passionate about the game. I just want to be that guy out there making plays for my team.”

There are some [URL="www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_EPhasjfng"]highlight videos[/URL] out there of you on kick returns, so we’ve at least seen that side of things. What can we expect from you on offense?

“I believe that I’m a good, shifty guy, who can play in the slot,” he said. “I can even play a little bit on the outside. I think I can be used to create some mismatches because that’s what I’ve been doing all my career. I love playing on the inside. If there’s any possible way for me to get on the field and make something happen, I’d jump at the chance.”

What conversation, if any, have you had with the coaches about your role on this team?

Click [URL="http://www.homermcfanboy.com/2010/05/11/terrence-austin-the-playmaker/"]here[/URL] for the full article.

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2009 UCLA - Ranked fifth in the Pac-10 (34th in NCAA) in all-purpose yards; 60th in the NCAA and fourth in the Pac-10 in kickoff returns

By the way... He ranks both 1st AND 3rd in UCLA history for single season all purpose yards. Set the record (1,878 yds) in 2008.

More good stuff at: http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/austin_terrence00.html

It was the all-purpose stats that caught my eye when he was drafted. He may be a smurffy dude but he does seem pretty durable. (College not the NFL withstanding)

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I too am pretty excited to have him apart of the family. In this league it doesn't matter where you are drafted.

That's a good point. It doesn't matter where you get drafted. It only matters if you produce. And Austin might benefit from being a 7th rounder, because he's not battling the expectations that a first or second rounder would face. He seems to be a pretty good kid and is definitely getting special teams reps. Hopefully he can make the most of his opportunity.

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As for our thoughts on punt returner Antwaan Randle El; we’d rather not go down that road again. When the Redskins released him this offseason, many wondered why countless fans were waving goodbye as he cleaned out his locker for the last time. They weren’t being rude; they were simply mimicking Randle El’s time as a punt returner by signaling for a fair catch.

:rotflmao:

That's cruel. :ols:

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his highlight stuff is impressive.....could be the next Devin Hester? Same height a little lighter before the weight room....both fast

I appreciate the optimism my friend, but I've been a Canes fan since the day I was born, and I can tell you that's Austin is no where near as fast as Devin Hester was/is. He's a little fast, but Hester is lightning fast.

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I don't know who timed this kid' date=' but he ain't running a 4.38 40.

a player running that fast in college is going to eat up the defensive angles, that's not happening with him. He may turn out to be a good receiver but 4.38? Somebody is over hyping him.[/quote']

Funny I was thinking the exact same thing. It was hard to get a handle on Austin from that highlight reel, on a lot of those plays he was open by 10 yards/ On the kickoffs there were gaping holes.

Still I like this guy and think he has a real shot.

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He's not incredibly fast, but speed is overrated in the return game. It's overrated in receivers too for that matter. I like his decisiveness when returning kicks and his toughness when going across the middle. He's not going to be a home run hitter, but he could be a consistent threat to get us past the 30 on kickoffs and get us 12 yards on punt returns.

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I appreciate the optimism my friend, but I've been a Canes fan since the day I was born, and I can tell you that's Austin is no where near as fast as Devin Hester was/is. He's a little fast, but Hester is lightning fast.

I hear ya, we can dream thgough....I am still hoping Clinton Portis is the next John Riggins and DHall is the next D Green....

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