Sy Austin is an underrated running-back out of Franklinton High. With a frame of 5’9, 180 pounds, Sy Austin has been one of the premier running-backs in the state during his tenure with the Demons. His breakout performance this season was in a 61-13 win against Fontainebleau, where he had 209 rushing yards on only 10 carries (20.9 YPC). This is an insane feat and he looks to continue to have similar performances throughout the rest of his season. Off of the field, Sy Austin stands as one of the senior leaders for his team and he also has a 2.57 GPA. Sy’s next game will be this upcoming Friday against Abbeville!
When did you start playing football & what made you start playing?
“I started playing football around 7 years old and I always wanted to play. Ever since I was born, I just got locked into the game every time my mom turned on the football games on Sunday morning and it just hit me one day that I wanted to play football. After that, she signed me for the Franklinton association football team and that’s where my journey of football took off.”
What do you love about football?
“I love the game for hitting at the most part, but what i love the most is the family that you can make out of this and the stuff you can learn from the game is so underrated. Everybody only sees the game, but they don’t see what football players see at practice; the hard work and adversity that we go through, it’s just a beautiful experience”
What player, NFL or College did you model your game after?
“I model my game after Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions running back, came from Alabama. I always looked up to him, I watched his highlights before almost every game starting last year and he just shows everything that needs to be done at the running back position. From reading holes, to pass protection, and even making big plays out of nothing, he just inspires me to keep going.“
What would your teammates say about you?
“My teammates would say I joke a lot, but when it’s time to make a play,I’m the man that they can count on. They would say I’m helpful, caring, and hungry to win a championship.”
What is your motivation?
“My motivation is my mother for being there for me and I want to make her proud. What also keeps me motivated is the drought that my football team has been through for the past few years with this feeling of being “used to losing”, and I want to make a change. We want to make a change as in our team and so far we’re making history, all we can keep doing is stick to the path, keep pushing and don’t get distracted.”
What parts of your game are you working on right now?
“The parts of my game that I’m working on now is pass protection, jump cuts from gap to gap, and other little things are the main things I’m working on as of right now.”
What is your goal for this season?
“My goals for this season are to go 9-1, get a bye week first week of the playoffs, get a home playoff game, win the championship, rush for 1,500 yards, and get a few scholarships under my belt.”
What game or moment in the game has been your favorite up to this point?
“My favorite moment was when we were tied up with Lakeshore with less then 30 seconds, and I got the ball from the 3 yard line and ‘punched in’ to beat Lakeshore; a team we haven’t beat in 8 years and also our first district win. It was a beautiful atmosphere and I’m just glad to get the job done.”
What do you do on your free time outside of school?
“I hangout with my family, friends, my girlfriend, get recovery on my body, sleep, and just chill on my phone most of the time. I also work.”
What is one thing that you think college coaches and recruiters should know about you?
“College coaches and recruiters should know that I’m a team player, I’m not selfish, and I want to win. I want to push all my teammates to their best and build that chemistry so whoever gives me a chance to play on their team you won’t regret it.”
What do you think your best trait is?
“My best trait is that I’m never satisfied, I always want more. I’m always hungry.”
