WR Jaelan Austin (TCU) Interview

Jaelan Austin
Wide Receiver
TCU

Ed Hunt: What are your measurements (height, weight and 40 time)?

Jaelan Austin: I am 6’1-6’2, 198-201 lbs, and I run a 4.46 to 4.48.

Ed Hunt: I noticed you can high-point the ball well. How does this help you as a receiver?

Jaelan Austin: It helps me to be a red zone threat.

Ed Hunt: Describe your overall experience at the Tropical Bowl.

Jaelan Austin: I got to go against top competition. It showed me I can play with top competition.

Ed Hunt: What is the biggest thing you can take away from the Tropical Bowl?

Jaelan Austin: Getting used to being a pro and getting used to “the interview.”

Ed Hunt: Who is the best player you have faced at the Tropical Bowl?

Jaelan Austin: CB Joshua Simmons (Limestone College).

Ed Hunt: Who is the best player you have faced on an opposing team?

Jaelan Austin: The whole Ohio State secondary.

Ed Hunt: Coming out of high school, which schools showed interest in you?

Jaelan Austin: Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and more.

Ed Hunt: What made you ultimately choose TCU?

Jaelan Austin: My brother played basketball at TCU.

Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?

Jaelan Austin: Versatility. I can play all receiver positions. I am comfortable at any spot. I am durable.

Ed Hunt: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Jaelan Austin: The little things, technical things and perfecting route running.

Ed Hunt: Describe your overall career.

Jaelan Austin: Freshman year, I played behind Josh Doctson and his injury gave me a chance to start. I scored the first touchdown in the Alamo Bowl. Sophomore year was more of an air raid offense, and junior year we did a lot of running. Senior year, we had a lot of injuries. I enjoyed my career at TCU.

Ed Hunt: What is the highlight of your career at this point?

Jaelan Austin: It was playing in the Big 12 Championship. It was a dream of mine.

Ed Hunt: I noticed you are a deep threat. How did you develop this skill?

Jaelan Austin: Constant working out. I have been working out for the NFL since I was six.

Ed Hunt: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

Jaelan Austin: Be mentally tough.

Ed Hunt: Tell me how being a three-year starter will help you?

Jaelan Austin: Experience. I’m a guy that injuries were not a problem for me. I only missed one game due to turf toe.

Ed Hunt: Is there a role you have played on special teams thus far in your career?

Jaelan Austin: On kickoff return, I played the front line. On punt return, I was a free safety, played every spot-on kickoff, tackle or guard on punt team. Blocking is all “want to.”

Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?

Jaelan Austin: Dallas Cowboys.

Ed Hunt: Who is your favorite NFL player?

Jaelan Austin: I like Terrell Owens, Julio Jones and Jarvis Landry.

Ed Hunt: What’s the most important trait for a WR?

Jaelan Austin: Versatility. You got to be able to play all receiver positions.

Ed Hunt: Before the ball is snapped, what tendencies are you looking for in that defense?

Jaelan Austin: I look for the triangle. The linebacker, corner and safety. I can look at those positions on the field and I can see what is going to happen. I watch film.

Ed Hunt: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Jaelan Austin: There are many. A few are Julius Lewis, Jalen Reagor, John Stephens and Tevailance Hunt.

Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?

Jaelan Austin: Competing! No other sport like football.

Ed Hunt: Who is your biggest role model and why?

Jaelan Austin: My mother. She raised me, my brother and his friend. Came to every game. She even came to the Tropical Bowl.

Ed Hunt: What is your definition of a leader?

Jaelan Austin: Being a guy everybody can count on.

Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after football?

Jaelan Austin: I want to be a coach. I got offered a job to coach receivers at TCU.

Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?

Jaelan Austin: God, family, football, hard work and competitive.