Last season, Pittsburgh Steelers fans didn’t get the opportunity to see wide receiver Calvin Austin III. A foot injury cost him the season and hit pause on his career. Now, Austin is back, healthy and as fast as ever.
Austin did enough in last week’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that our friends over at Touchdown Wire named him one of their Secret Superstars of Week One.
Here’s what they had to say about Austin:
Adding Austin to a receiver group that already has George “Godzilla” Pickens (who was also ridiculous against the Bucs) and Diontae Johnson should provide a whole lot of headaches for defenses if offensive coordinator Matt Canada uses those targets to their full potential. Certainly, Austin adds a new math to that playbook, such as it is.
Austin led the team in receiving yards and rushing yards against the Bucs. His 67-yard touchdown catch was longer than any Steeler had last season. Austin also led the team in rushing yards thanks to a 17-yard gain on his first touch on a jet sweep.
As Pittsburgh heads into the season it is important to remember, Austin wasn’t just a gimmick player in college. In his final two seasons at Memphis, he was the focus of the passing offense. He understands route combinations, how to beat double teams and how to impact an offense as more than just a speed receiver.
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