Kevin Austin Jr. Ready To Get Rolling With Phil Jurkovec

Receiver Kevin Austin Jr.‍ has been focused on track over the last few months, but 6-foot-3, 198-pounder will soon arrive in South Bend, and he’s looking forward to getting started. 

“I’ve been focusing on track and getting my speed better as I get ready to go up to Notre Dame,” Austin told Irish Sports Daily. “I run the 100m, 200m, 4x100 and I also throw the discus.” 

The North Broward Prep (Fla.) star has also been locked in on learning the offensive playbook. Receivers coach Del Alexander has made sure to give him some pointers as Austin learning more than just the play name and his role. 

“It’s going well, but it’s also a process like anything else,” explained Austin. “Coach Alexander has helped me a lot with understanding the concepts rather than just knowing the plays. Knowing the concepts of each formation has helped.”

The playbook might be thicker, but Austin isn’t letting that get to him. The four-star prospect has picked up things well to this point, and now it’s about transitioning the knowledge to the field.

“It’s a transition I have to make to be able to get on the field early,” said Austin. “I can comprehend the information easily. Learning plays isn’t that difficult in my opinion, although it’s very different than what I learned in high school the last three years. 

“I feel when I get on the field and hear the plays called, it’s going to come to me because that’s how it usually works for me. I’m a fast learner.” 

Classmate and fellow receiver Micah Jones got a small taste of what college football is like as he was an early enrollee this spring. Jones made sure to let his classmates know the importance of learning the playbook as the college game is much faster in every way. 

“We all have a group chat and talk all the time,” stated Austin. “I’ve been asking Micah how it is and he told me the game is fast and it’s good to know the plays before I get there. Once I get there, it’s all competition. 

“I’m going to compete no matter who is there. Our receiver corps loves to compete. Coach Alexander said he loves the will to compete from our class.” 

Austin recorded 2,495 receiving yards during his prep career, and the chance to play with Phil Jurkovec‍ has him extremely excited. The two have cultivated a good relationship over the past few months and are looking forward to finally getting to build some rapport with each other next month. 

“Phil and I have a great relationship,” Austin said.” We text all the time about things. I can’t wait to get to throw with him during the summer. We already have a plan to throw with each once we get there and create a relationship early.” 

Jurkovec comes in with a lot of hype, but Austin believes his quarterback didn’t get the recognition he deserved and has already seen the type of leader Jurkovec can be in South Bend. 

“I believe Phil is one of the best quarterbacks coming out of the 2018 class,” said Austin. “He’s not given as much respect. That’s all politics. I can’t wait to get on the field with him because I can tell the type of energy he brings to the game. Our two energies in the game are going to work well. I can’t wait to get started with Phil.” 

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