Tiger Source Preview: Austin To Commit Before Season

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Fri Jul 02 09:20:18 GMT-04:00 2004

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Thomas Austin OL Camden, SC (Camden HS) 6-4, 265 This afternoon we had a chance to interview Thomas Austin and the first thing fans need to understand is what a terrific young man he is. Besides being one of the top three offensive linemen and top 12 prospects in South Carolina, Austin is a wonderful student and a very respectful young person. Now for the information you really want--his commitment timetable. "I will make a commitment before the season," says Austin. "I just do not want my recruiting to be a distraction to my team. My first priority is to my teammates and my school. I want to give them my entire attention so I will get recruiting finished before my season. I want to make a major run at a state title in my senior season." Austin is an honor student with a 3.4 GPA and an 1,100 SAT. He says academics will play a major role in his decision.

The Camden, SC native says he has offers from USC, Clemson, Auburn, Wake Forest, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Penn State and Army. "My top three are Clemson, Vanderbilt and Auburn," says Austin. "Coach Scott is recruiting me for Clemson. Coach Caldwell is recruiting me for Vanderbilt and Coach Davis is recruiting me for Auburn." The summer has been busy for Austin. "I camped at Clemson's 3-day camp and it went well. I got a chance to work one-on-one with Coach Scott. I went to Vandy's 1-day camp and worked with Coach Caldwell. I also went to Auburn's 1-day camp." Austin said he graded out at 85% as a junior and wants to improve that figure in 2004. Each year there are kids that we remember because of their on the field skills but the off of the field respect that we remember even more. In our first conversation with Austin he made the kind of impression we will not soon forget. The college he signs with will get a terrific young man and fantastic prospect. Here is a list of the TigerSource schedule for the next few weeks: From July 5-16 we will look at a position each day. We will have an evaluation of the current roster and will look at the prospects the Tigers have offered and those they have on their board. Monday July 5-Quarterback Tuesday July 6-Running Backs Wednesday July7-Wide Receivers Thursday July 8-Tight Ends Friday July 9-Offensive Linemen Monday July 12-Defensive Ends Tuesday July 13-Defensive Tackles Wednesday July 14-Linebackers Thursday July 15-Defensive Backs Friday July 19-Athletes Friday July 30-Release the recruiting board and offer board Here is our weekly schedule for the fall: Monday-Review of previous Clemson game, Chat at 2:00 PM, Mail Call, Recruiting Updates. Tuesday-Mail Call, Recruiting Updates. Wednesday-Mail Call, Recruiting Updates. Thursday-Mail Call, Recruiting Updates. Friday-Preview of upcoming Clemson game, Mail Call, Recruiting Updates.