For fans and analysts alike, understanding Calvin Austin stats provides a clear picture of his journey from a walk-on at Memphis to a promising NFL wide receiver and special teams ace. His career has been a testament to speed, versatility, and perseverance, with his statistics highlighting key moments and a consistent upward trajectory. This article delves into his impressive college production, his transition to the professional ranks, and what makes his statistical profile unique.
The Collegiate Dominance at Memphis
Calvin Austin III’s college career at the University of Memphis was nothing short of spectacular, especially in his final two seasons. After redshirting and earning a scholarship, he emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). His college stats are a testament to his explosive speed and ability to be a home-run threat on every play.
Statistical Highlights from Memphis
Total Receptions: 156
Total Receiving Yards: 2,541
Total Receiving Touchdowns: 22
All-Purpose Yards: 3,033
All-Purpose Touchdowns: 25
Austin’s most productive seasons were in 2020 and 2021, where he earned back-to-back First-team All-AAC selections. In 2020, he had 63 receptions for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns, demonstrating his elite playmaking ability. He followed that up with an even more impressive 2021 campaign, posting 74 receptions for 1,149 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also showcased his versatility on special teams, adding two punt return touchdowns during his collegiate career. His stats place him second all-time in program history in receiving touchdowns, fourth in receiving yards, and fifth in receptions.
The Transition to the NFL
Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round (138th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, Austin’s path to the NFL was a bit rocky at first. A foot injury sidelined him for his entire rookie season, delaying his professional debut. However, his statistical journey began in earnest in 2023, where he quickly proved his value as a deep threat and a special teams contributor.
Rookie Season (2022): The Redshirt Year
Calvin Austin’s 2022 season was spent entirely on the injured reserve list. While he didn’t log any official stats, this year was crucial for him to learn the Steelers’ playbook and acclimate to the professional environment.
First Full Season (2023): Flashes of Explosiveness
In his first official NFL season, Calvin Austin III played in all 17 regular-season games, making one start. His stats showed flashes of the explosive ability he was known for in college.
Receptions: 17
Receiving Yards: 180
Receiving Touchdowns: 1 (a 72-yard bomb against the Las Vegas Raiders)
Rushing Attempts: 11
Rushing Yards: 57
Rushing Touchdowns: 1 (a 7-yard run against the Cincinnati Bengals)
Punt Returns: 29
Punt Return Yards: 249
Sophomore Season (2024): A Statistical Leap
The 2024 season was a true breakout year for Austin, where his role expanded and his statistical output surged. He became a more integral part of the offense, and a key figure on special teams.
Receptions: 36
Receiving Yards: 548
Receiving Touchdowns: 4
Punt Returns: 28
Punt Return Yards: 289
Punt Return Touchdowns: 1 (a 73-yard return against the New York Giants)
This season, he became one of only two players in the NFL to have a TD reception of at least 50 yards and a punt return touchdown of at least 70 yards in the same year. This versatility highlights a key aspect of his value to the Steelers.
Analyzing Calvin Austin’s Statistical Profile
Beyond the raw numbers, Austin’s stats reveal a specific type of player. His game is defined by speed, elusiveness, and a high-impact, big-play potential.
Speed and Big Plays
One of the most telling statistics for Austin is his yards per reception, which in 2024 was an impressive 15.2 yards. This is well above the league average for wide receivers and demonstrates his ability to stretch the field vertically. His long touchdowns, including the 72-yarder in 2023 and the 55-yarder in 2024, are prime examples of his elite speed in action. He’s not a possession receiver; he’s a “take the top off the defense” kind of guy.
Yards After Catch (YAC)
While Austin is known for his deep speed, his yards after catch are also notable. For a player of his size, he has a surprising ability to be shifty in the open field and turn short passes into significant gains. His quickness and change of direction make him a tough tackle for defenders, adding valuable yardage after the catch.
Punt Returner
Calvin Austin’s stats on special teams are a vital part of his overall value. His 2024 punt return touchdown showcased his exceptional vision and burst. He is a genuine threat to score every time he touches the ball, which forces opposing teams to be mindful of their punt coverage. His career punt return average of 9.4 yards per return is solid and a great asset for the Steelers’ field position.
Practical Tips for Statistical Analysis
For those looking to go beyond the basic numbers, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively analyze player stats like Calvin Austin’s.
Understand the Context
A player’s stats are meaningless without context. For Austin, it’s crucial to remember he missed his entire rookie season. His 2023 stats, while seemingly modest, were his first taste of NFL action and came on a team with a run-heavy offense. His statistical leap in 2024 is more indicative of his potential with more opportunities.
Look at Advanced Metrics
While basic stats like receptions and yards are a starting point, dive deeper into advanced metrics. Look at his:
Yards Per Route Run (YPRR): This metric measures how efficient a receiver is on a per-route basis.
Average Depth of Target (ADoT): This shows how far downfield a receiver is being targeted, giving insight into their role in the offense. Austin’s is typically high, confirming his deep-threat status.
PFF Grade (Pro Football Focus): This provides an objective, play-by-play evaluation of a player’s performance.
Compare to Peers
Don’t just look at a player’s stats in a vacuum. Compare them to other players in similar roles. How does Austin’s yards per reception compare to other speedy receivers? How does his punt return average stack up against the league’s top returners? This comparison provides a more realistic understanding of his standing in the league.
Recent Trends and Projections for Calvin Austin
As of the current date, Austin is a key piece of the Steelers’ offense. The trends show a player who is getting more opportunities and making the most of them. With the team’s quarterback situation and overall offensive scheme, he’s a valuable field-stretching asset.
Increased Opportunity: His number of targets and snaps has steadily climbed, reflecting the coaching staff’s growing confidence in his abilities.
A “Weapon” on Offense: The Steelers are using him not just as a wide receiver but as an offensive weapon, incorporating him on jet sweeps and other creative plays to get the ball in his hands. This is a trend that should continue.
Special Teams Prowess: His role as a punt returner is solidified. This dual-threat ability adds a new dimension to the Steelers’ game plan and makes him an even more valuable commodity.
FAQs
What is Calvin Austin’s 40-yard dash time?
Calvin Austin III ran an official 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine. This time was among the fastest of all players at the combine and highlights his elite, game-breaking speed.
Did Calvin Austin play in his rookie season?
No, Calvin Austin III did not play in his rookie season in 2022. He was placed on the injured reserve list due to a foot injury and did not appear in any regular-season games.
What were Calvin Austin’s best seasons in college?
Calvin Austin’s best seasons in college were his final two years at Memphis. In 2020, he had 63 receptions for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2021, he recorded 74 receptions for 1,149 yards and 8 touchdowns, earning First-team All-AAC honors in both seasons.
Is Calvin Austin a key player for the Steelers?
Yes, Calvin Austin has become a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His stats from the 2024 season, particularly his offensive production and punt return touchdown, show that he is an integral part of the team’s offense and special teams unit.
How many touchdowns does Calvin Austin have in the NFL?
As of the 2024 season, Calvin Austin has a total of 6 touchdowns in his NFL career (5 receiving and 1 rushing), and 1 punt return touchdown.
Final Thoughts
Calvin Austin’s stats tell a story of a player who has overcome adversity and is blossoming into a valuable NFL talent. His collegiate success proved his immense potential, and his NFL numbers, particularly from the 2024 season, show that he is translating that potential into production.
With his elite speed and growing confidence, Austin is a player whose stats will continue to be a focal point for fans and fantasy players alike. He’s not just a receiver; he’s a dynamic playmaker with the ability to change the game on a single play, whether it’s on offense or special teams.
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