The long-awaited Q&A with Terrence Austin

[tryfuhl]

Shortly before camp you guys might recall me mentioning that TA was going to do a Q&A with us here. Well, a bit after camp we finally got it wrapped up. Through a couple of communications mix-ups, a little bit of computer troubles on my end, etc I finally present to you what you've been waiting for. Getting the answers towards the end of camp is probably better anyways, since he came in a bit later due to UCLA's exit date/NFL guidelines.

You can find his Redskins player profile here or follow him at Twitter @18forJC

At what point did becoming an NFL player become realistic in your mind?

I think it became realistic when I saw how my skills progressed in high school and earned several scholarships in result.

Who was your favorite team growing up? How strong is that allegiance now?

My favorite team was the Steelers. Loved them since Greg Lloyd. I still like them now, but Im pulling for the Skins!

Do you see yourself supporting the local sports scene in Washington,
i.e. the Caps, Wizards, Nationals, etc?

Yes, the Wizards especially, I want to check out John Wall.

As you're coming in and learning the offense and special teams,
besides coaches, which players on the Skins are helping you make that
transition and how are they helping you?


Santana has been giving me pointers on how to run routes and read defenses.

Do you feel that rookies out of UCLA are at a disadvantage since they
cannot participate in many team OTAs?

Yes in a way, but being the bright student athletes that they are I believe as long as they study hard they'll catch up quickly.

If you were teaching someone else how to return kicks, what would you tell them?

I would tell them to be patient and let the seams open up for you, and when it comes be decisive and explosive.

Whose game do you think that you most closely resemble?

Steve Smith NY Giants

What was your first thought when you found out you would be catching
passes from McNabb? Being coached by Mike Shanahan?

I was stoked! It couldn't get any better than this, top QB and top Coach, Come on!

Did you receive an invite to train with McNabb and the other offensive
skill position players in Arizona?

No


How has the hazing been at Training Camp? Any shoulder pad carrying?
Been taped to the goalposts yet?

Joey Galloway has been handing his pads over to me frequently! Did that several times and I'm sure there is more to come.

What is the biggest transition from the college game to pros, on and
off the field so far?

Off the field continuing to study day in and day out. On the field there is small room for error. So I have to make sure I know my assignments in depth.

What expectations have been placed upon you and the rest of the team
that you've worked with?

None yet, but I do believe that they are looking forward to me being reliable.

Anything else that you'd like to say to a large group of rabid Skins fans?

I am going to work as hard as I can to earn me a spot on this team, and take advantage of this opportunity to play a game that most would give up anything of value to take ones place here. I believe this team we have has post season potential and I want to be a part of it.

Lastly, but most important to many of the contributors to TheWarpath,
what is your favorite kind of pie?

I dont eat pie at all, unfortunately.