Steelers Rookie Calvin Austin III Absolutely Ready To Make Huge Impact During 2023 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Calvin Austin III spoke about how he looks forward to being a part of the action next season. The young rookie was sidelined last season with a foot injury. This came as a massive disappointment to the organization as well as to fans who had seen him display a great deal of promise at training camp.

Steelers' WR Calvin Austin III makes a play in OTA's (Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)

Austin is just one of many talented rookies the Steelers had on the team this year. While they may not have accomplished their ultimate goal, making the Super Bowl, they did show grit, determination and quality play. The team was able to start all but two of the seven players drafted last year.

With his final draft as GM, Kevin Colbert decided to double-dip on wide receivers, snatching up George Pickens in the second round and Austin in the fourth round. They both offer impressive on-field talents but in very different ways.

Don't let Austin's position in the fourth round fool you, the kid showed serious potential in college. He is fast, close to if not the fastest player in the 2022 draft. Don't forget, he was a record-breaking track star in high school and college. He is also extremely agile, he jukes on defenders to get free and then is able to use his speed to create separation. If he catches a ball in the open field? Forget it, no one is catching him.

There are of course some concerns about Austin, one is his size, he is 5'7" and 173 lbs. The other is his middle-of-the-field game, is he scared to catch a ball out in the open because of the subsequent hit he knows is coming? While he is sturdy and tough the average defensive end is almost a foot taller than him and more than 100 lbs. heavier.

One of Austin's best features isn't one you can't measure at the combine but is one that will absolutely endear him to Steeler Nation, and that's his work ethic. He was a walk-on at Memphis and could work hard enough to convert that into a scholarship. That isn't just a talent thing, that is heart and determination. He was known to stay long beyond when everyone else left the practice field, working on his skills and it paid off.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Calvin Austin III (#19) participates during training camp at the team's South Side facility. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)

Steelers Calvin Austin III Ready To Play With His Teammates

Despite the frustration of not being able to play this past season, Austin recently told the media, via a team media release transcript, that he is more than ready to contribute and play.

"I was in all the meetings and out at practice. Of course, I didn't get those game reps that are very much needed and valuable, but as far as my mindset, that's probably the biggest thing for rookies. The physical aspect of it is important, but the mental is one thing that can really slow rookies in their development. I feel as though I have a good grip on that. I feel like next season that I'll be right there with them."

When asked about watching the team go forward without him while he rehabbed his foot, he said he understands that football is a business and the show must go on.

"With Coach (Mike) Tomlin, he is always a guy that the train isn't going to stop moving. When we step onto this field, we're always about getting better and growing. I imagine that's what his mindset is, and that's what my mindset is for myself."

Photo Credit: Steelers YouTube page

One thing is clear, after seeing some of the fantastic plays Austin made during the preseason last year, we are all ready to see what he is capable of during game time for the Steelers. What did you think of Austin's skills during training camp last year? How do you think he will fit into the offensive scheme with George Pickens and Diontae Johnson (if he returns)? Comment below.

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