Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has electric speed and could be gamebreaking, and as a result, the fourth-round pick has garnered some lofty pro comparisons. Well, his former coach at Memphis, Ryan Silverfield, just threw him yet another lofty comparison before he ever played an NFL down.
The baseline comparison that Silverfield has for Austin? Former VIkings and Seahawks receiver Percy Harvin. The Memphis head coach saw Austin and knew the type of player could be and he told Pro Football Network that Austin has the same gamebreaking ability that Harvin carried.
“I can see some (former NFL WR) Percy Harvin in him,” Silverfield told Pro Football Network. “I know (offensive coordinator) Matt Canada’s offense, and he will probably move him around.”
Adam Caplan was told that Austin is completely 100% recovered from his lisfranc injury that required surgery and ended his season. The Steelers saw him explode onto the scene once again this spring and was extremely impressed by what he did this Spring. He is not slated to get into the starting lineup just yet but he could push for a defined role behind Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Allen Robinson II.
Connor Heyward believes that Austin’s speed is 100 percent back. Other cornerbacks, such as Patrick Peterson, have talked about how tough it is to keep up with his speed and quickness. The pads are not on yet, but it seems that a lot of people around the building are being put on notice.
The Harvin comparison is a lofty goal. But Austin has the speed to do it. Still, in order to be Percy Harvin, you need to carve out a certain role and have a base number of explosive plays. Yet, there has been a palpable buzz around Austin in the locker room. When you ask anyone who stands out on offense, Austin’s name is often the first one that is said. He’s going to have a role in the offense.
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