Lance Austin does more than return blocked field goals
Georgia Tech cornerback Lance Austin earned distinction with two individual plays in the Yellow Jackets’ spring scrimmage. Playing with the first-string defense for the Gold team, Austin had two pass breakups in his day’s labors.
The first came on the White team’s third drive of the game, after quarterback Justin Thomas ran 76 yards to set up a first-and-goal from the 6-yard line. On third-and-goal from the 9-yard line, Thomas fired to wide receiver Brad Stewart. Providing effective man coverage, Austin easily knocked away Thomas’ pass to force fourth down and a field-goal try.
The second was on a third-and-5 on the first play of the second quarter from the White team’s 35-yard line. From a clean pocket, Thomas threw a slant to wide receiver Ricky Jeune, but Austin was able to foil a would-be first-down catch with his second breakup.
Austin is best known for his game-winning return of a blocked field goal for a touchdown against Florida State last October, but he also has an inside track on a starting job this fall.
“He always finds himself around the ball,” Thomas said. “He’s a feisty corner. Physical, also. I think he’s going to fit good right there. I feel like, on an island, he’ll be pretty good, too. I think overall, our secondary’s going to be pretty decent.”
About the Author
Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.
