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Smaller textWVU's Austin gets a taste of heated rivalry
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Freshman Tavon Austin has never played in the Backyard Brawl, but Friday, the West Virginia receiver can experience what his older teammates call an "intense" rivalry.
"From what the fans say, if there's one team you can't lose to, it's Pitt," he said. "I guess it's a very serious game."
Austin, who is from Baltimore, has seen his role slowly increase throughout the season. He took over as the Mountaineers' main kick returner six games in against Marshall and has had a carry or catch in each game.
"Tavon brings a lot of electricity to the game," WVU coach Bill Stewart said earlier this season. "He's done a really good job."
Austin said he could receive additional carries against the Panthers because the coaches installed a package specifically for him during the bye week.
"(The bye week) gave us more time to learn some plays and jell a little bit more," Austin said. "They are putting in more and more plays for me so I can really just start to study them."
Austin said he picked up on the plays fairly well as a freshman, but he had some help.
Receiver Jock Sanders and running back Noel Devine have helped coach Austin.
"I can't say I taught him specific things, but just from him watching and observing, he is learning a lot of stuff," Sanders said. "We have such a close relationship."
Austin admitted he felt his role would be greater when he came to WVU from Dunbar High School. But when Austin saw the talent WVU had at the skill positions, the two-time Maryland Offensive Player of Year knew it would not be easy.
'They have better players than I thought," Austin said. "It was just a learning experience, but I thought my role was small this year."
Austin has made the most of his chances, scoring three different ways this season — a reception, a run and a kickoff return.
But Austin hasn't met all of his lofty goals for this season.
"The only way that I haven't scored yet is on a punt return, but I haven't had a chance with that yet," he said.
Austin said he hopes he has the chance later in his career to move back to running back. As a running back in high school, he broke Maryland records for career points (790), touchdowns (123), total offensive yards (9,258) and rushing yards (7,962).
"(Running back) is where I've been my whole life," Austin said. "I'd like to get back there again. But if it doesn't happen, I've just got to suck it up and keep moving."
Austin gets some repetitions at running back in practice, but he hasn't played there during a WVU game. When Devine comes out, either Sanders or fullback/running back Ryan Clarke steps in.
"Whenever my time comes, when Noel and Jock leave, maybe they'll give me a chance back there," Austin said. "But right now, I'm just happy playing the slot."
