We all remember the Anthony Fera injury situation this year, and know even in special teams, depth is a priority. A Texas coach recently visited an outstanding local prospect who could contribute immediately if he ends up a Longhorn. He was gracious enough to take time out of his schedule and speak with me regarding his recruitment, the upcoming season, and more.
Austin Huff is a kicker/punter for the Class 3A Burnet Bulldogs, whom you may remember as being coached by Bob Shipley and home of Jordan Shipley. Austin has won several awards already, including 2013 1st Team All Central Texas punter, 2013 All District Kicker, and 2013 All District Punter. Austin does more than kicking, also playing WR for the Bulldogs 7 on 7 squad. Austin also takes care of business in school, maintaining a 3.86 GPA to date and being named Academic All District in 2012 and 2013.
https://www.hornsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/austin_huff-266×300.jpg Photo Credit Jon Huff
Burnet, located in Burnet County, about 45 min northwest of Austin, has fought through some adversity the last two seasons, but seem to be poised to breakout in 2013. The team has adopted the motto “Family”, and Austin will be a big piece of the Bulldogs run back to the post season.
Texas Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz contacted Burnet HS Coach Kurt Jones to inquire about the team, and learned of Austin’s consistent performances, including his 42.5 yard punting average last season, and his 58 yard FG in competition at the ultra competitive Kohl’s Kicking Camp in March of this season. Austin also can kickoff for touchbacks at will, and has refined skills on short kick offs which allowed the Bulldogs to recover several last season.
When asked about his Texas recruitment thus far, Austin stated after Coach Diaz had spoken with him and Coach Jones. “I asked about my visiting Texas, and Coach Diaz asked if I could come down March 30th to check out the facilities and watch the team practice. Later on, Coach Diaz invited me to attend the Spring Game the following day.”
“Coach Brown and Coach Diaz have both encouraged me to make sure that I attended their kicking camp on June 8th, which I will attend”
I asked Austin what he thought about Texas and the programs direction. Austin told me “Texas has always been my favorite school. Texas’ business program has always stood out to me, since it is one of the best in the nation.” He also stated he would love to go to Texas because it is close to home and be an honor to attend in general and as a student athlete.
On the program’s direction, Austin told me “UT’s football program has constantly been one of the best in the nation, I would consider it an honor and a privilege to play and study there. UT’s facilities and services provided to student athletes are a big reasons I want to attend. I believe with the direction of the 2013 and 2014 recruiting class shows an upward swing in the continued growth of UT’s football program and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to be a part of it”
Austin told me he’s new to the recruiting process, but has been aided greatly by his family and BHS staff. Austin has had contact from several other schools including UTSA, Texas State, Mary Hardin Baylor, Stephen F Austin, and a few smaller programs. His recruitment is wide open as he’s looking for a scholarship offer, but the contact from Texas is a big, as well as the quality of the business school.
On his upcoming Senior season, Austin told me he wants to be 1st team All State in kicking and punting, and be Academic All District for a third consecutive year. kicker and punter, academic all district again. Burnet’s 7 on 7 team has qualified for State in July, and Austin also plans to camp at Texas, UTSA, and Texas State. He expects his Bulldogs to go undefeated this fall, and has no doubt the goal can be accomplished.
We will keep up with Austin as the year progresses.
