Interview: 2019 California DB Alex Austin Updates Offseason and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The forward momentum on the recruiting trail is gaining ground for Class of 2019 defensive back Alex Austin. After a junior season with Long Beach Poly coming up with 29 tackles and a tackle for a loss, the 6-1, 175-pound, defender is picking up admirers among the collegiate coaching staffs. With four offers on the table from Hawaii, Montana State, Utah State, and New Mexico, it seems every other Mountain West and Pac-12 Conference school is eager to see Austin at college camps this summer with a big senior season to follow.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized catch-up Q&A interview, I sat down for a quick conversation with Austin learning more about his offseason workouts and time shutting down top quarterbacks at the 2018 Elite 11 Finals.

*Click link for Feb. 20, 2018, RNG interview with Alex Austin

Interview

Alex how have spring practices gone for you and the Jackrabbits?

“They are going well; we just finished. We are coming together. We look good so far and getting ready for the fall.”

What have you been working on with your skillset this offseason?

“I have mainly been focused on my off-man. I am good at press coverage with my long arms. I’ve been playing some receiver as well, I’m going both ways this year.”

Are you excited about playing receiver during your senior year?

“Yes. It should be great getting to catching some touchdowns and having fun on offense.”

Where are you seeing the biggest growth?

“I am learning the defense and the coverages, knowing where everyone is and the zones everyone has on each call.”

What is the focus for you the remainder of the offseason?

“Working getting out of my breaks and keeping my speed.”

I got to see you at the Elite 11 on Sunday (June 3), being in Los Angeles you get to play against top talent during the fall and in 7v7 tournaments, but that was a little different from a focused talent. What was it like for you getting to compete against all those future college quarterbacks?

“It was great. The ball is coming out faster with those guys. It was a great experience going against the top guys in the country.”

Was there a quarterback or two that impressed you during the camp?

“Tauila Tagovailoa (Thompson High School, AL, an Alabama commit) and Spencer Rattler (Pinnacle High School, an Oklahoma commit) impressed me. They have great form and get the ball in the right spot at the right time.”

Do you have any other upcoming camps planned?

“I am going to a USC camp and an Arizona camp (Friday).”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“Wyoming, New Mexico State, Oregon State, Colorado State, Washington State, Arizona and Arizona State are all showing interest. There are a couple more but I cannot think of them right now.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have four offers.”

You just picked up the New Mexico offer before our conversation; how did they offer you?

“They watched my film and liked me. I called them and they wanted to offer me.”

Which schools have you visited so far in 2018?

“Arizona State, Arizona, USC, Baylor, Texas, TCU, and Texas A&M.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I am planning on visiting Utah State this summer, but I have no official visits set yet.”

When the time comes for you to make a decision where you will attend college and the program you will play for, what influences will add up to the ideal school for you?

“I am looking for great education, to fit in with the program, the opportunity to play early, and a good relationship with the coaching staff.”

Alex, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Alex Austin at the 2018 Elite 11 Finals