Early Graduate Austin Receives Full-Ride Football Scholarship to USC
CHS football coaches (from left to right) Terrance Lynch, Mike Collins, Ryan Campuzano, and Shane Hile stand behind graduated senior Jordan Austin (center). Austin signed to USC on Dec. 19 in the health room at CHS and has already started his football career at USC.
February 2, 2014
At the end of June 2013, senior Jordan Austin received a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC). Although Austin was also recruited by Washington State, Notre Dame University, Stanford University, and University of California, Los Angeles, he ultimately decided to attend USC due to its proximity to his home and their known academic and athletic excellence. Austin graduated early on Dec. 19 to celebrate his academic and athletic accomplishments, including being the 64th student at CHS to obtain a full scholarship based on athletic achievements in football.
Austin started practicing at USC on Jan. 13 as an offensive tackle. Throughout his four years of high school, Austin played for both the freshmen and varsity football teams. Additionally, Austin’s grandfather and father both played football, which is how he was introduced to the sport.
“I started playing football at a young age, but I could not play on the little league teams because of my size,” Austin said.
Now at 6’7’’ and 275 pounds, Austin has excelled at CHS and has big hopes about his football future by hopefully moving on to the National Football League (NFL). He hopes to one day play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, although he would be ecstatic to be a part of any NFL team.
CHS PE teacher and varsity football coach Mike Collins reflected on his admiration for his graduated player. Collins described Austin as the perfect build and an individual with an excellent skill set for the NFL, so he was excited that Austin was recruited by so many colleges and universities.
“Jordan was a great player with a perfect attitude and strive, which made me admire him even more,” Collins said.
Austin was visited at home by the schools close in proximity like USC, but for the others, he sent an audition tape that had his best plays and showed his abilities. Austin was chosen by several schools based off of his skill for the game as well as for his large height and build.
In addition to Collins, CHS librarian Jim Munsey, Austin’s freshmen team coach, admired his playing style and skill. Munsey believes that he is an enthusiastic player when it comes to the field and is always focused on the game at hand. He thinks that Austin will do well in football at USC and hopes that he will succeed in his dreams at college, as he was such a help to not only his team, but also to the younger players in the program.
“As a senior, Jordan talked to the freshmen football team and gave advice about high school, which is rare for a senior to do,” Munsey said. “He really cares about CHS and the entire student body, which I commend him for.”
Out of all of Austin’s achievements, he will miss CHS and everyone who knew him. However, Austin displayed that accomplishments take hard work and good moral ethics.
“Just work at something and make sure that you can achieve your goals,” Austin said.
Through academic and athletic achievements, Austin has inspired all of his fellow students and other football team members to strive for excellence. He was thoroughly inspired by fellow CHS students and looks forward to pursing his passion for football at an even greater scale.
