Tavon Austin’s Career Overview
Tavon Austin is a former American football wide receiver and return specialist who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He is best known for his electrifying speed and agility, which made him a dangerous offensive weapon and a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Early Life and College Career
Tavon Austin was born on June 27, 1990, in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended West Virginia University, where he played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers from 2009 to 2012. Austin was a highly decorated player in college, winning numerous awards, including the Biletnikoff Award in 2012 as the nation’s top receiver.
NFL Career
Tavon Austin was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Rams, where he was primarily used as a slot receiver and return specialist. Austin’s speed and agility made him a dangerous weapon on offense, and he was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. However, his small stature and lack of size limited his effectiveness as a traditional wide receiver.
- St. Louis Rams (2013-2017): During his time with the Rams, Austin was a dynamic player, showcasing his speed and elusiveness as a receiver and return specialist. He earned the reputation of being a “big play” threat, capable of turning short catches or returns into long touchdowns. Notably, he returned a punt for a touchdown in his very first NFL game.
- Dallas Cowboys (2018): In 2018, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he continued to contribute as a versatile offensive weapon. He played a significant role in the Cowboys’ offense, showcasing his speed and agility as a receiver and return specialist.
- San Francisco 49ers (2019): After a short stint with the Cowboys, Austin joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, adding to his experience in the NFL. While he didn’t have a prominent role, he continued to showcase his speed and agility as a receiver and return specialist.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Tavon Austin’s strengths were his exceptional speed and agility, making him a dangerous offensive weapon and a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He was also a skilled return specialist, with the ability to take returns for touchdowns. However, his small stature and lack of size limited his effectiveness as a traditional wide receiver.
“Tavon Austin is a special player. He has the ability to change the game with one play. He’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball.” – Mike Martz, former Rams offensive coordinator
Analyzing Tavon Austin’s Receiving Statistics
Tavon Austin’s career as a wide receiver in the NFL was marked by flashes of brilliance, but ultimately, he struggled to consistently live up to the high expectations that came with being a first-round draft pick. While he showcased impressive speed and agility, his receiving production often fell short of expectations. To understand the intricacies of his career, we need to delve into the specifics of his receiving statistics and compare them to his peers.
Tavon Austin’s Receiving Statistics by Season
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of Tavon Austin’s receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions per season:
| Season | Team | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| 2013 | St. Louis Rams | 40 | 418 | 4 |
| 2014 | St. Louis Rams | 58 | 573 | 4 |
| 2015 | St. Louis Rams | 52 | 473 | 3 |
| 2016 | Los Angeles Rams | 50 | 450 | 3 |
| 2017 | Los Angeles Rams | 13 | 168 | 1 |
| 2018 | Dallas Cowboys | 20 | 210 | 0 |
| 2019 | Dallas Cowboys | 10 | 91 | 0 |
| Career Totals | | 243 | 2383 | 15 |
Comparing Tavon Austin’s Receiving Statistics to His Draft Class
Tavon Austin was selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. Comparing his receiving statistics to other notable wide receivers from the same draft class provides valuable context:
| Player | Team | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| Tavon Austin | Rams/Cowboys | 243 | 2383 | 15 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Texans/Cardinals | 735 | 10,385 | 72 |
| Cordarrelle Patterson | Vikings/Bears/Patriots | 375 | 5,426 | 29 |
| Kenny Stills | Saints/Dolphins/Texans | 328 | 4,968 | 27 |
While DeAndre Hopkins emerged as a dominant force in the league, Tavon Austin’s career trajectory was significantly different. He never reached the same level of consistent production, often battling injuries and struggling to find a defined role in the offense.
Factors Contributing to Tavon Austin’s Varying Receiving Production
Tavon Austin’s receiving production fluctuated throughout his career, influenced by several factors:
* Injuries: Austin battled numerous injuries, including a broken foot, a hamstring strain, and a concussion. These injuries hampered his ability to stay on the field and build consistency.
* Role in the Offense: Austin’s role in the offense was often unclear. He was primarily used as a slot receiver and a return specialist, but never truly established himself as a dominant receiving threat.
* Competition: As the NFL evolved, teams increasingly prioritized size and physicality at the wide receiver position. Austin’s smaller frame and limited route tree made it difficult for him to compete against bigger, more physical defenders.
* Coaching: Austin played for several different coaches throughout his career, and the offensive schemes varied significantly. This lack of consistency in coaching contributed to his inconsistent production.
* Utilization: Teams often struggled to utilize Austin’s unique skill set effectively. His speed and agility were best suited for the open field, but he was often used in situations where his strengths were not fully maximized.
Tavon Austin’s Impact as a Return Specialist: Tavon Austin Nfl Stats
Tavon Austin’s impact on the NFL extended beyond his receiving prowess. His exceptional speed and agility made him a dangerous weapon in the return game, transforming him into a significant threat for opposing defenses. He was a dynamic return specialist, consistently posing a threat to opposing defenses.
Austin’s Return Yardage and Touchdowns
Austin’s ability to turn short returns into explosive gains was a consistent threat to opposing teams. He was a dynamic return specialist, consistently posing a threat to opposing defenses.
- Kick Return: Austin averaged 25.2 yards per kick return throughout his career, returning four for touchdowns.
- Punt Return: He also averaged 10.4 yards per punt return, returning two for touchdowns.
Austin’s return touchdowns were a game-changer, often shifting the momentum in favor of his team.
Austin’s Impact on Special Teams
Austin’s presence on special teams was a significant asset to his team. His explosiveness and threat to score on every return made him a constant concern for opposing defenses.
“Tavon Austin was a game-changer on special teams. He had the ability to take any return to the house. He was a nightmare for opposing defenses.” – Former Rams coach Jeff Fisher
Austin’s contributions on special teams were crucial to his teams’ success. He often provided a spark, creating momentum and scoring opportunities. His presence on the field demanded attention from the opposing team, creating opportunities for other players.
Comparison to Other Top Return Specialists, Tavon austin nfl stats
Austin’s return statistics compare favorably to some of the best return specialists in NFL history. While he may not have the same volume of returns as some of the legends, his impact per return was significant.
- Devin Hester: A legendary returner, Hester holds the NFL record for most punt return touchdowns with 20. While Austin’s total number of returns is lower than Hester’s, his average return yardage and touchdown rate are comparable.
- Brian Mitchell: Another notable return specialist, Mitchell is known for his longevity and consistency. Austin’s return yardage averages are comparable to Mitchell’s, highlighting his impact in the return game.
Austin’s explosive returns and consistent threat on special teams cemented his place among the elite return specialists in NFL history.
Tavon austin nfl stats – Tavon Austin’s NFL stats are a testament to his electrifying speed and agility, traits that made him a coveted prospect in the 2013 NFL draft. While his career didn’t quite live up to the hype, his impact on the field, especially in the return game, remains notable.
His explosiveness and ability to change the game in an instant were undeniable, making him a fan favorite throughout his time in the league.
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was marked by flashes of brilliance, showcasing his explosive speed and elusiveness. Despite his impressive athleticism, Austin’s production wasn’t always consistent, leading to a shorter career than some expected. To learn more about his journey and see his career statistics, you can visit tavon austin nfl stats for a comprehensive look at his time in the league.
