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Daylen Austin – 2023 Cornerback – LSU Commit
The Basics
Daylen Austin is a 6’1, 180-pound cornerback out of Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, California. 247Sports has Austin graded as a 90/100, good for a low four-star rating. The 247Sports Composite ranking has him rated a little higher at a 93.68/100, good for a solid four stars as well. Currently, the 247Sports Composite ranks Austin as the 16th ranked cornerback nationally, the 10th ranked player in California, and the 143rd overall player nationally for the class of 2023.
Being a highly rated recruit, it makes sense that Austin had several high major suitors vying for his services. According to his reported offers page at 247 sports, he received offers from Alabama, Michigan State, Penn State, Arizona, Arizona State, California, Colorado, Florida State, Georgia, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, San Jose State, TCU, Texas, UCLA, USC, Washington, and Washington State.
In the end, Austin decided to shut down his recruitment by committing to the LSU Tigers and Head Coach Brian Kelly in his first year in Baton Rouge.
Roster Outlook
According to OurLads.com, LSU’s projected roster depth at the cornerback position consists of Mekhi Garner (Rs Jr. Tr.), Jarrick Bernard-Converse (Sr. Tr.), Damarius McGhee (So.), Jordan Toles (Jr.), Sevyn Banks (Grad Tr.), and Quad Wilson (So. Tr.).
As of now, Austin is the only corner commit in LSU’s 2023 recruiting cycle. LSU will definitely look to add more depth at cornerback in the 2023 cycle as well.
The fit and opportunities for playing time
Looking at his game film, there is a lot to like in Austin’s game. The highlights that set him apart from his peers are his excellent use of hands, his ability to anticipate plays, his elusiveness as a return man, and the accuracy of his tackles. Starting on his tackling, Austin is not afraid to go for big hits. He uses great awareness and a high football IQ to anticipate the offense and to make big plays. He likes to try to light up his targets, usually with a running start on them. This head-of-steam approach can generate electric plays but can also lead to giving up big yardage when the tackles aren’t accurate. Despite the shortcomings of this playstyle, Austin rarely misses his target. Another thing that stands out on film is how Austin utilizes his hands in coverage, usually in attempts to throw receivers out of rhythm while running routes and while contesting catches. As previously mentioned, Austin also shows serious potential as a return specialist. He reads blocks well, usually making the right decision. His speed and quick reaction time also help him get by opposing special team’s units as well. He also displays strong timing, like knowing when to jump for contested balls to make a play.
Looking at the current depth on the LSU roster, it will be unlikely that Austin starts as a freshman. However, depending on how quickly he develops he could certainly be able to contribute quality minutes by his sophomore season. By his Junior and maybe Senior seasons depending on the draft, I would expect him to be a contender for a starting spot at corner. He will almost certainly see the field earlier on as a special teams player as well.
More Sports News
Daylen Austin displays the necessary measurables and traits to project as a possible NFL prospect. It will be up to Austin and the LSU coaching staff to develop his game in order to see how close to that goal he can get.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
