Training camp is in full swing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Latrobe, PA. It's safe to say that most fans in attendance at camp have their eyes set on the quarterback battle between Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph for the upcoming season. But in recent days, the player that has been slowly gaining some momentum is rookie wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Austin, a 5'8 170lb receiver out of the University of Memphis was the Steelers' 4th round pick in the 2022 Draft. Known for his speed just as much as his catching ability, Austin recorded a 4.32 40-yard dash at this year's NFL Draft Combine. In 2020, he recorded over 1,000 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns for the Tigers, and along with a similar stat line in 2021 where he ended up with over 1,100 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns.
Calvin Austin III taking a pitch from Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. Photo Credit Twitter: @SteelerNation @JSKO_PHOTO
Austin was seen on August 2nd at Steelers practice catching a deep ball by Rudolph for a touchdown:
Mason Rudolph DEEEEEP to Calvin Austin #steelers pic.twitter.com/mWXqUQA5mZ
— Smittywerbin (@smittywerbin1) August 2, 2022
Austin, along with Steelers' 2nd-round pick George Pickens, adds a new layer to the offense and gives the Steelers a true deep threat at receiver, something the team has not had in quite some time. On August 3rd, WJET News sports reporter, Mike Fenner, caught up with Austin to discuss the niche that he has been trying to carve out early in his first training camp with the Steelers.
"I'm not trying to be anything besides who I've always been. A guy who works hard, takes practice serious and try to be better each day," Austin replied.
Fenner's full interview with Austin is below:
I asked #Steelers rookie receiver and Memphis product Calvin Austin about the niche he's trying to carve out along with what he's picked up from the receiver room so far: pic.twitter.com/kd9TD9cMNM
— Mike Fenner (@Fenner_6) August 3, 2022
When looking at the skillset Austin brings to the Steelers' offense, he reminds me a lot of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Both are undersized but use both their speed and quickness to create separation on routes to get open. His speed combined with the mobility of both Trubisky and Pickett has the possibility to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. It will be a similar look to what the Steelers had when they had former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Mike Wallace. The Steelers had one of the best deep ball threats in the entire league with Wallace and this allowed the middle of the field to be more open and create space for wide receiver Hines Ward and tight end Heath Miller.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) participates in Organized Team Activities(OTAs), Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers Offense Will Be Loaded With Young Talent In 2022
I'm expecting the Steelers' offense to take a big step in the right direction this season. Not only will Pickens and Austin add much-needed depth to the receiving core, but Najee Harris will have a full season under his belt and a much improved offensive line to run behind compared to the offensive line the Steelers had in 2021. Last season with an offensive line that was subpar, Harris still rushed for over 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns. So with an upgraded line this season, the sky is the limit for Harris in 2022. Also, returning for his sophomore season is tight end, Pat Freiermuth. Freiermuth was the Steelers 2nd round pick in 2021 and made his mark throughout the season and quickly became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. He ended the season with 60 receptions for 497 yards and 7 touchdowns and is now one of the top young talents in the NFL.
Are you excited to see Austin in the black and gold this season? Which young player are you looking forward to seeing the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
#SteelerNation
