Training Camp Profile: Tavon Austin

The enigma that exists on the 2018 “Dak friendly” offense is a new added piece that has a good amount of Cowboys Nation intrigued. That man is Tavon Austin – the 8th overall pick by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. He was a walking highlight reel for West Virginia and while showing flashes in his time with Rams, he never fully developed into what they had imagined.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, are going through their own re-branding when it comes to their receiving corps. Dez Bryant was released back in April and then Jason Witten delivered a gut wrenching blow when he announced his retirement. Dallas then drafted Michael Gallup – already showing positive returns thus far in training camp – in the third round and then made a surprising move shortly after when they sent their sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Austin.

“At the time, I thought I was staying with the Rams. I had restructured my contract, I thought I was solid with them,” Austin told Calvin Watkins of The Athletic. “When the call came through, it’s the type of game that we play. At the end of the day, I am still playing football and I’m still thankful. I was a little hurt but it is what it is.”

Austin gives the Cowboys the kind of threat that will keep defenses on their heels at all times. Due to his blazing speed, he can be an impact player through the air or on the ground.

Receiving

• Receptions: 194
• Yards: 1,689
• Touchdowns: 12

Rushing

• Attempts: 184
• Yards: 1,238
• YPC: 6.7
• Touchdowns: 9

Early on in Training Camp, it’s obvious that the Cowboys intend to use him in a variety of ways. He’s made a few big time plays early on in camp:

Dak Prescott drops it in to Tavon Austin over Byron Jones pic.twitter.com/ld17HYz06x

— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) August 1, 2018

Dak deep ball to Tavon Austin pic.twitter.com/8zlAFPKbwl

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 31, 2018

One of his teammates and now one of the veterans of this young receiving corps – Cole Beasley – has also had a very strong start to the camp. Beasley, already an exceptional route runner, should be a great complement to Austin as the combination of them out there in different formations will be a constant headache for the opponent.

Tavon Austin w lots of 1st team today. Watch this #Cowboys trickery … @1053thefan pic.twitter.com/AttTaFPHtO

— mike fisher ✭ (@fishsports) July 26, 2018

Big Expectations: 

Anyone who follows Tavon on his social media knows that he is a highly motivated individual with big aspirations. His recent post said the following:

“God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers….Walking Testimony! #TA10”

One of his goals with the Dallas Cowboys? A Vince Lombardi trophy.

“I just want to win. I’ve been the No.1 receiver, I’ve been the No.2 receiver, I’ve been when they don’t classify me as a receiver” Austin said, according to The Athletic’s Calvin Watkins.

“I just want to win and help a team do my part, make some plays and have some fun and bring a Super Bowl to these Cowboys.”