Notre Dame wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. has dramatically improved his draft stock over the past six months. Not only did he have a breakout season this past fall, he put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Austin showed NFL scouts that he has all the tools necessary to be an explosive playmaker at the next level. During his time in Indianapolis, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds, posted a 39-inch vertical and completed the three-cone drill in 6.71 seconds.
As for his Notre Dame tape, Austin proved he’s a true deep threat capable of creating separation with his speed in the open field. He finished his final season of college football with 48 catches for 888 yards and seven touchdowns.
We caught up with Kevin Austin Jr. to discuss his Notre Dame career, NFL Combine performance and much more.
The Spun: This must be an exciting process for you, but before we get into that I want to ask you about your breakout season at Notre Dame. What do you think led to that production?
Kevin Austin Jr.: This entire process has been exciting. Training at EXOS in Arizona has been an exciting experience. As for my time at Notre Dame, I always felt like I could play at that level. I just finally showed what I can do on the biggest stage.
The Spun: You had an impressive NFL Combine performance. How would you grade it?
KA: I was pleased with it, but I wanted to have a higher vertical. Overall though, I hit the numbers that I wanted and did what I needed to do to help my stock.
The award for biggest surprise from last night goes to Notre Dame’s Kevin Austin Jr.
A 6-foot-2, 200-pounder putting up these numbers is gonna have a lot of people going back to check the tape pic.twitter.com/qtBSEbKLjE
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) March 4, 2022
The Spun: How was the interview process at the NFL Combine? Did you have any good conversations?
KA: I did for sure. Throughout the interview process, I feel like I did a good job connecting with NFL teams.
The Spun: What would you say separates you from other wide receivers?
KA: I would say my versatility. I have the speed and size to succeed at wide receiver. I’m also a deep threat. I’m a playmaker when the ball is in the air. My mentality is that I got to go get it anytime the ball is in the air.
The Spun: Which wide receivers do you like to study?
KA: I would say I like to study route-running. I’ve liked Julio Jones since I’m a little kid. Recently, I’ve been watching Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs and Deebo Samuel. They’re so versatile when it comes to running routes.
absolute playmaker 🔥@Ka_szn ➡️ #NFLCombine#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/NIooOrhidn
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) March 3, 2022
The Spun: What are you working on during this process?
KA: I would say just being a well-rounded receiver. Watching film is a key part of figuring out what type of schemes certain defenses run. I’m just trying to get better at my routes, releases and learning the snap count.
The Spun: How do you think Notre Dame will fare under Marcus Freeman?
KA: I’m fully confident in Coach Freeman’s ability to have the team competing at the highest level. I think he’ll bring an edge to Notre Dame that we might not have had before. I also think he’s going to enhance everything we’re going to do in the future. The guys definitely want to play for him at Notre Dame.
SEVENTY YARD TOUCHDOWN@jcoan17 ➡️ @Ka_szn | #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/2F4dpvTZmK
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 6, 2021
The Spun: You chose to play in Notre Dame’s bowl game against Oklahoma State. How important was it to you to play one more game?
KA: Obviously, I just wanted to compete and be there for my teammates. I really didn’t want to take the day off. I felt like I could contribute to the team, so my mindset was that I had to suit up.
The Spun: Has it hit you yet that you’re a month away from potentially being drafted?
KA: Almost. It’s so exciting knowing the opportunity is there. I’m just waiting for the moment to happen.
The Spun: What will it mean to you being on an NFL roster?
KA: It’s going to mean everything to me. All the hard work I put in during this time will be worth it. I’m blessed to be in a position where I can compete with the best in the world.
🎯 @jcoan17 → @Ka_szn#GoIrish | #ProDay pic.twitter.com/yaEfYPV0bl
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) March 25, 2022
Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network believes Kevin Austin Jr. is an “under the radar prospect” for Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
We’ll find out where Austin’s NFL journey will begin next month.
You can read more of our interviews with athletes or media stars here.
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