An incredibly productive EDGE defender who made play after play for the state-champion Sandy Creek Patriots last fall, Austin showed this fall that he may be due for a bump in the next Prep Redzone rankings. After a tremendous 2025 season where he made 87 tackles 27 TFLs and an eye-opening 16 sacks, loads of offers came his way, and when it was time to make a commitment, the Atlanta-area defender gave his pledge to the Cincinnati Bearcats. He’s currently ranked as the No. 11 EDGE defender in the state and will give the Bearcats a defender who fight will early plating time once he gets to campus next year.

One of the top 2027 pass-rushers Southwest of Atlanta, Austin is an athletic defender off the edge with disruptive hands, good size at 6-foot-2 205-pounds and the ability to beat opposing tackles on his way to rushing the passer. He plays hard, consistently finds his way into the backfield, and showed last fall as a junior that he’s talented enough to play at the Power Four level. In 2025, Austin made 87 tackles with an eye-opening 27 TFLs and 16 sacks. He earned a new offer from Coastal Carolina and should continue to see his recruitment pick up over the next several weeks.

An edge rusher with a lot of potential to be a top guy in the state. He can get to the QB with ease and has a deep bag of tricks. One of the more elusive guys at the position, which is what you would hope for when it comes to a guy who is a bit undersized. He had a massive game last week, and a game that the Dragons are very appreciative of. Austin is only getting better and has worked his way into a huge role with this team. He is someone who can bandage any damage they look to create, and is a guy that the Patriots will dominate with when it comes to the run. For him to be an EDGE, you will see his helmet on the football a ton.

A lean, athletic outside linebacker with his best football ahead of him, Austin is an Atlanta-area defender who was constantly disruptive for the Sandy Creek defense last year. He brings quickness, strong instincts, and knows how to wrap up properly. He’s a stout run defender, but Austin proved that he’s also one of the top overall pass-rushers on that side of Atlanta. Austin was a dependable defender all year long, getting to the quarterback 11 times during the regular season. Ranked as the No. 9 EDGE defender in the state for his class, Austin also made 57 tackles and 17.5 TFLs. He was one of the top defenders in the region and could see his recruitment really take off in the coming months.

Lean athlete. Decent bend. Play strength is developing. Finds ways to run right by blockers. Wins w/ different alignments. Patient amongst chaos. Works hard to bring people down. Developing as a block shedder, but upside is there. Holds D1 offers.

A lean, violent EDGE defender from right outside of Atlanta, Austin is a promising defender who is coming off one of the best seasons for anyone at his position in the area for the 2027 class. He’s quick off the ball, uses good leverage to blow opposing linemen backwards, and does a good job of finding his way into the backfield. This sleeper EDGE defender made 42 tackles, eight sacks, and 11 more quarterback hurries last fall. His best football is way ahead of him, and if he continues to progress this off-season, he could be bound for a breakout junior season next fall.