Steelers WR Calvin Austin Displays Sizzling Speed And Soft Hands Under Friday Night Lights

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Calvin Austin III in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The former Memphis Tigers wide receiver was one of the fastest players in the country. He ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Austin received an official seal of approval from the Defensive Rookie of The Year Sauce Gardner who called him his toughest matchup at the college level.

It started so well in training camp in 2022. Austin generated a buzz on social media. Observers remarked on how impressive he was on the practice fields. Just before what would have been his professional debut against the Seattle Seahawks, Austin sustained a foot injury that would ultimately cost him his entire rookie season.

Steelers' Calvin Austin III Struggles On Day 1 Of Training Camp With Multiple Dropped Passes

2023 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA did not get off to a good start for Austin. He looked rusty on day 1 and dropped several passes. Austin rebounded on the second day and has been building on each performance showcasing the tantalizing talent he displayed in 2022 before the injury. 

The Steelers held their annual Friday Night Lights practice on Friday night in front of a record crowd. Pittsburgh had to cancel the event in 2022 due to inclement weather. Enthusiastic fans poured into Latrobe Memorial Stadium to get a glimpse of the 2023 Steelers. It was the biggest professional stage Austin has had a chance to be a part of since he was drafted. He decided to put on a show.

SteelerNation's Brandon Wallace has been reporting on training camp sessions. Wallace has been touting Austin's performance almost daily. The second-year wide receiver is demonstrating that his surgically repaired foot is completely healed and he hasn't lost a step. Friday Night Lights was just the most recent opportunity for Austin to make an impression with another huge play. 

George Pickens was a revelation in 2022 and has taken another step forward in the 2023 training camp. Pickens was the Steelers' best deep threat last season averaging over 15 yards per catch. His teammate Austin is demonstrating that he intends to challenge Pickens for big play opportunities in 2023. 

Pickens has a tremendous catch radius and makes impossible catches look routine. Austin is only 5 feet, 8 inches tall, but his blazing speed presents a different challenge for defenses. When he enters the game as a third or fourth receiver, he demands special attention. When Austin turns on the jets, it looks like defenders are standing still. 

Matt Canada's offense is going to feature the jet sweep. It is inevitable and for at least one more season, Steelers fans are going to have to put up with it. Austin's presence on the field could turn that play into the threat Canada and Mike Tomlin have expected it to be for the last two seasons. 

At the very least, if healthy, it will allow the Steelers and their fans to see a big play when he touches the ball. Austin's speed is pure blue lightning when he touches the ball. You can watch an example from his collegiate career captured on the Digel Sports Channel YouTube here.

Austin is not a gadget player. He is small for an NFL receiver, but his speed will be an attractive weapon for Kenny Pickett when he is in the game. Pickens and Diontae Johnson demand the best opposing coverage cornerback's attention. That should leave Austin playing against safeties and the third or fourth best opposing cornerback. 

The chunk plays the offense is desperately seeking in 2023 could come from the electric Austin. Canada's offense has been dismissed as simplistic and 'Saturdayish' by NFL experts like Steve Smith. Austin's speed could be the missing piece that takes the Steelers offense to the next level. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you excited to see Austin finally step on the football field in a real game? Let me know what you think. Please comment below, or on my TwitterX @thebubbasq. 

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