“Where are They Now?” Wednesday – Jermaine Austin
8/27/2014 11:00:00 AM | Football
All-America running back Jermaine Austin found his calling as a coach
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"Where are They Now?" Wednesday – Jermaine Austin
Georgia Southern All-American Jermaine Austin has found his calling as a coach. The powerful Eagle running back was a three-time All-Southern Conference selection and ranks second on the career rushing yards list and holds three spots in the top 10 for single-season rushing yards. He led the Eagles in rushing and all-purpose yards in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Austin is coaching middle school wrestling and track at McIntosh County and is the varsity running backs coach and assistant varsity basketball coach for McIntosh County High School.
Q: How did you get started playing football?
"I actually got a late start playing football because I was too young to sign up at the time. I played soccer first – and loved that sport – and played it for a few years. I got into football because my older brother was playing."
Q: How did your experience as a student-athlete at Georgia Southern prepare you for life?
"The experiences I received in my classes were priceless. The professors in the Justice Studies Department were phenomenal. Dr. (Christine) Ludowise pushed me harder than anyone and because of that push from Dr. Ludowise, I felt ready to take that next step in my life journey."
Q: What is your favorite Georgia Southern memory?
"I have so many memories. One in particular is when I met players on our football team such as Adrian Peterson, ZZream Walden and Chaz Williams. I was in awe the first time I met them.
"Another memory I have is when Erk Russell spoke to the team after some practices. His messages were inspiring to me as well as to the team. His messages really burned through me and I wanted to keep that fire burning the whole time I was running the football. I ran hard not only for the team, but for all of the past Eagles who came before me and to keep the tradition alive."
Q: What was the best advice you received as an Eagle student-athlete and who gave it to you?
"'To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is to be forgotten.' Great advice from Paul Johnson. This advice will take you a long way in the work force."
Q: What advice would you give an Eagle student-athlete today?
"First and foremost, be humble. Next, life owes you nothing and it's up to you to take it where you want to be. Another point I would add is to listen and acknowledge those who came before you in this sport and others. Often times we may feel that they are "old" and the advice is dated, but when we REALLY listen, there is always a lesson to be learned."
Q: What do you consider your strengths as you are involved in coaching young men?
"My strengths include listening to and observing the young men I coach/tutor/mentor. I pay attention to those minor details so that I can help give them that particular edge they need. I coach them to reach their highest potential and because I was that young player at one point, I can see it from a player's point of view AND the view of coach."
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