Steinbrenner’s Austin Brennan is a name to Remember!
Tampa Steinbrenner’s 6’0 220lbs LB Austin Brennan is a name to remember this upcoming season. Brennan is one of the top linebackers in the county and was one of the leaders on a defense that was one of the top…
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Continue ReadingTampa Steinbrenner’s 6’0 220lbs LB Austin Brennan is a name to remember this upcoming season. Brennan is one of the top linebackers in the county and was one of the leaders on a defense that was one of the top units in the county. Steinbrenner’s swarming defense helped lead their team to the final four in the 8A playoffs. Prep RedZone Florida recently sat down with him for this exclusive Q&A.
Q. Talk about your junior season and something you learned from it?
AB. My junior year was great, the team was amazing and we made it all the way down to the final four. I learned all the hard work and dedication it takes to have a great team. I also learned the importance of film study as it allows you to get the upper hand on your opponent and know what they are doing before the ball is even snapped. Lastly, I learned what it takes to be a good leader and captain for my team.
Q. Last season’s position and stats?
AB. Last year’s position was strong-side linebacker. I totaled 153 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. This season I will still be playing strong-side linebacker again. And with these stats last season I broke my school’s (Steinbrenner HS) career tackle record (283), season tackle record (153 tackles), and the record for most tackles in a game (22 tackles).
Q. Who is your biggest role model and leader in your life?
AB. I have had several strong role models in my life, both on and off the field. One of my role models is my current linebacker coach, Coach Juan Long. Besides helping to improve my game immensely, he has taught me how the game correlates to life and how to use football to improve your life off the field. Another person who has been a very strong influence on me was my grandfather. He taught me many important life skills and lessons and taught me how to conduct myself as a man.
Q. Biggest strengths in your game currently? Biggest weaknesses?
AB. My biggest strengths in the game are my football IQ and my knack for finding the ball to be able to make tackles. My biggest weakness would be my speed which is something I have heavily focused on improving this offseason.
Q. What colleges have looked at you in terms of interest and offers as you currently have as a rising senior?
AB. I have been talking to a large variety of schools including Cornell, Princeton, University of Tennessee Martin, University of West Florida, Kentucky Wesleyan, Concordia, Tusculum, and St. Thomas University. Currently, I have offers from Warner, Monmouth, Graceland, and Whittier.
Q. Talk about what it was like to play for your coach.
AB. At Steinbrenner we have a wide variety of coaches, each coach brings something different to the table and has taught me many lessons both on and off the field. My main coach is linebacker coach, Juan Long. He is a very passionate coach that is big on discipline and doing your job correctly if you don’t do your job, he is quick to let you know. Even though he can be hard on us, he knows when it’s time to work and when it’s time to have a bit of fun.
Q. What is your favorite part of the game?
AB. My favorite part of the game would be the physicality of it and getting to make big hits.
Q. Personally, what is your ultimate goal with the game of football whether it be on the field or off of it?
AB. My personal goal for the game to football is to allow it to better my life and myself as a person.
Q. Tell us a little bit about some of your accomplishments last season?
AB. A few accomplishments I have are my school records which I listed above as well as a two-time First Team All-Western Conference and a Second Team All-State player.
Fun Facts about, Austin
Favorite player to watch
Luke Kuechly
Playlist before games
I listen to whatever’s popular at the time, usually rap, but it could be any music that gets me pumped