Terrence Austin made a name for himself at UCLA as a return man. When he first joined the Washington Redskins in 2010 many thought he would serve in a similar capacity. As it turns out, an undrafted, undersized and largely unknown (at the time) free agent by the name of Brandon Banks electrified the Redskins return unit with his speed and elusiveness. It was Banks who earned a spot on the team’s 53-man roster in Week 1 that year, not Austin.

Flash forward two seasons and Banks is still the team’s return man while Austin has quietly proven himself to be a valuable asset. Some teammates, such as Lorenzo Alexander, think he’s on the cusp of a breakout season.

At just 23 years of age, the seventh-round draft choice has plenty left in the tank and prides himself on crisp route running — a skill that has not gone unnoticed among coaches.

Still, Austin is longing for an opportunity to return kicks in the NFL and is hoping for a chance to do just that.

“I really would like that opportunity,” he told Holden Kushner and Danny Rouhier on 106.7 The Fan Friday morning. “That was my bread and butter in school at UCLA.”

Just was the case two seasons ago when Banks burst onto the scene at Redskins Park, Austin knows it will be an uphill battle for him to get his chance.

“It’s hard and tough to compete with Brandon Banks,” he said. “Brandon has been doing a good job out there. I’m just holding back for him. If anything happens I’ll be there to back him up. But I definitely would love the opportunity. It’s something that I take pride in.”

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Austin will offer youngsters the opportunity to learn the game from professionals in a couple of weeks when he hosts the Terrence Austin Football Camp in Arlington.

Camp Info

June 18 – 22

St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School
1000 St. Stephen’s Road
Arlington, VA 22304

More: TerrenceAustin.com