Written By Allen Sharp October 23rd, 2023
In the pulsating world of college football, where lightning-fast athletes ignite stadium atmospheres, few names have sparked as much excitement as Tavon Austin. This electrifying wonder from West Virginia University was a force of nature, an untamed bolt of lightning that left crowds breathless and defenders in despair.
Born on March 15, 1990, in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, Tavon Austin's story begins with adversity and grit. He grew up in a neighborhood where the odds were stacked against success, but young Tavon refused to be just another statistic. From early on, football was his escape and his passion. The Austin family, with Dawn and Moses at the helm, nurtured his dreams, instilling a tireless work ethic that would light the fuse of his future stardom.
From the alleyways of Baltimore to the local football fields, Tavon Austin was a dynamo. He carved out his path with dazzling speed, instinctive agility, and an insatiable hunger for success. Tavon Austin's high school journey was nothing short of legendary. Dunbar High School in Baltimore became the stage for his meteoric rise to fame. Austin's versatility was nothing short of superheroic—he dominated as a wide receiver, running back, and even a defensive back. His opponents could only watch in awe as he weaved through defenses with the grace of a ballet dancer and the tenacity of a warrior.
While other high schoolers were learning the ropes, Austin was rewriting the playbook. His speed, football IQ, and sheer audacity made him a hometown hero. But destiny had bigger plans for this young dynamo.
West Virginia University, nestled in the scenic beauty of Morgantown, would be the canvas for Tavon Austin's masterpiece. As he donned the Mountaineers' jersey, he brought with him a storm of anticipation. This was no ordinary recruit; this was a game-changer, a force of nature.
Austin's college career was marked by versatility. Listed as a wide receiver, he was so much more. He was a magician on the field, a running back, a slot receiver, and a return specialist all rolled into one. Defenders, bless their hearts, could never predict where the Austin storm would strike next.
The 2011 college football season became the stage for Tavon Austin's breakout performance. Under the spell of the head coach, Dana Holgorsen, Austin became the nucleus of West Virginia's high-powered offense. You could say that Austin was both conductor and orchestra, the man who made the Mountaineer magic happen.
In the 2011 season, Austin racked up an eye-popping 2,574 all-purpose yards, shattering records along the way. He was a blur of motion, tearing through defenses with 1,186 receiving yards and 574 rushing yards. One unforgettable night against Oklahoma, he waltzed for 344 all-purpose yards, punctuated by a breathtaking 74-yard touchdown reception. Just that game alone deserves its own documentary.
If there was one game that etched Tavon Austin's name into the hall of football legends, it was the 2012 Orange Bowl showdown against Clemson. This was no ordinary football game; it was a pyrotechnic display of athleticism, an explosive showcase of talent, and one of the most spellbinding contests in college football history.
The Austin show was in full swing that night. He amassed nearly 300 all-purpose yards and left defenders grasping at thin air. Catching 12 passes for 123 yards and four touchdowns, along with 40 rushing yards on just 3 carries, he torched the Clemson defense in a blaze of glory. The final score: West Virginia 70, Clemson 33.
With college glory in the rearview mirror, Tavon Austin declared for the 2013 NFL Draft. NFL scouts salivated at the prospect of his electric playmaking abilities, and he was earmarked as a first-round pick. The St. Louis Rams heard the call and snatched him up as the eighth overall pick. Tavon Austin was ready for the NFL's primetime.
But as he soon discovered, the NFL was a different beast. The speed was blistering, the hits were bone-crushing, and the competition, relentless. However, Austin wasn't one to shy away from a challenge; he was a storm chaser, and the NFL was his new tempest.
The NFL is a crucible of competition, a relentless proving ground where even the mightiest can falter. Yet Tavon Austin was not just any player; he was a bolt of electricity in cleats. His agility, his ability to change the game's dynamics, and his jaw-dropping returns made him an instant sensation.
Austin's versatility was on full display, being used as a receiver and a return specialist. But it was his returns, those moments when he received a kick or a punt and turned it into an electrifying sprint downfield, that had fans jumping out of their seats.
In his NFL journey, Tavon Austin had stints with various teams, but his time with the Dallas Cowboys was particularly memorable. His resilience was on full display here. Despite facing injuries and setbacks, he never lost his flair.
Dallas turned Austin into a multi-dimensional threat. He was a receiver, a returner, and, when needed, he even took snaps in the backfield. His speed made the Cowboys' offense a rollercoaster of excitement, and his returns were the spark that ignited the fireworks.
Tavon Austin's is not just a name on a jersey; he's an emblem of speed, versatility, and a never-say-die spirit. He was truly ahead of his time, and had the potential, if he was used properly, to have been the original Cheetah.