Steelers' Calvin Austin III Thinks He Can Takeover Games In 2023 By Using His Breathtaking Speed

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Calvin Austin III used his speed to put on a show for the crowd of 13,957 in attendance at the return of the Friday Night Lights practice held at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. The organization is hoping that his patented pace that made him a highlight reel player in college, along with his slippery 5-foot, 9-inch frame will help him be a useful weapon on offense and as a returner on special teams at the pro level.

Austin joined veteran journalist Mike Prisuta and former Pittsburgh lineman Craig Wolfley for their post-practice wrap-up show following a non-padded session in Latrobe, PA on Sunday. He was asked about what he's been focusing on in his second training camp after his 2022 camp ended prematurely and his season was done before it started due to an ankle injury. 

"My speed release is definitely my go-to," he said. "It's what the defenses fear, so I do that one to set up my counter-release. Once I make the defensive back feel my speed, I'm in control of the whole game."    

Austin said he's still got a lot to learn when it comes to releases, but has Diontae Johnson and Allen Robinson who he called "release specialists" helping him out with pointers. The biggest thing the veterans have been stressing to him is to try and mix in different looks to keep defensive backs on their heels. 

Austin said despite the injury in 2022, he was still able to be a part of the team and soak up knowledge particularly when it came to his understanding of the game. He explained that has allowed him to come into the 2023 camp way ahead of where he was in 2022. 

"I'm not just starting with the ABC's of things," Austin said. "Now I'm going into the XYZ's. I was so much more mentally prepared to come to this camp as far as reading defenses and knowing the plays."

He said that last year, he was focused on the basics, like trying to fix up how he ran a seam route. This year, he said he can really get into the nitty-gritty details of what the coverage is and knowing what to do to beat it. 

Steelers' Austin Excited For More Explosive Offense In 2023

There's been plenty of discussion about whether Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada will open the playbook up for more splash plays. Quarterback Kenny Pickett weighed in and thinks there will be a new approach to attacking defenses in 2023. 

Austin said from what he's seen in practice so far, there's been a much stronger emphasis on the offense to get the ball deep. He's been a part of it using his speed to haul in a couple of long balls. 

"I think we're progressing really nicely," he said about the offense. "In three padded practices, we've had so many more explosive plays down the field and it's a good cadence of what's going to be coming here in the future."

Austin said that he's looking for Canada to try to use him in different ways in 2023. He certainly has the speed to make reverses and the Canada favorite jet sweeps into big gains. As he's shown against Pittsburgh's defense in practice, he has the speed to get in position and the hands to make deep catches. 

The diminutive speedster will also have a chance to show off his skills in the return game. Austin was listed as the starting kick and punt returner on the team's first depth chart released on Sunday night. He'll likely still be battling veteran and former All-Pro returner Gunner Olszewski, but for now, is in the driver's seat. 

Austin hasn't played a real football game since he had two receptions for 20 yards in Memphis' season finale win over Tulane on November 27, 2021. On Friday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his streak of not playing will end and he will get his first taste of NFL action. 

What do you think Austin can do for the offense in 2023? What are your thoughts on him as a returner? Comment below!

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