An old-school thumper, Austin lives around the football. He’s finally starting to see some movement on the recruiting trail with a recent offer from Livingstone. When he hits players, they feel it, and he’s a big-play defender, forcing five fumbles and picking off four passes in his career.

Austin has had a historic career for Trinity Christian as a three-year starter, racking up well over 300 tackles for the Crusaders. He’s everywhere on the field, living sideline-to-sideline and winning as a blitzer as well. Austin has progressed in pass coverage and has some excellent upside as a balanced linebacker who can win in coverage, as a pass rusher, and against the run.

When Austin keys in on the run, he can get downhill in a hurry. But he’s also a complete linebacker, able to make plays sideline-sideline-sideline and in both man and zone coverage. He was a productive tackler this season, the best in his division, and he’s a guy we think could thrive at the next level. He plays anywhere from middle linebacker to big slot and his athleticism allows Trinity Christian to be multiple on defense.

Dontario led his team with 16 total tackles Friday night. The visitor’s run game was all but silenced and (8 yards rushing in total) once they got down a couple scores, they just abandoned it all together. The junior LB made several plays in the pass game as well, dropping under neath the in breaking routes. Austin has been the heart and soul of the defense all season.

Dontario is also in his first season at Trinity and he has started it off with a bang! The hard-hitting LB has also shown the ability to be a solid tackler as well. The JR has avg over 10 tackles per game in this short season. Austin has made an immediate impact on the overall team, but especially the defense.

When an All-State linebacker with the production Dontario has is #10 in our rankings, that is a compliment to all the players listed here for sure. Dontario totaled 159 total tackles and 19 tackles for loss last season. He is a strong and stout middle linebacker who may be listed as 5’10”, but he plays much bigger than that. Dontario currently has offers from St. Andrews, Limestone, and Hampden-Sydney College. Dontario plays with explosive physicality and tackles exceptionally well in open space against both backs and receivers.