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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Austin Whitehead, C, Tarleton State

Austin Whitehead is a team leader and versatile lineman from Tarleton State University. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
Austin Whitehead is a team leader and versatile lineman from Tarleton State University. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Austin Whitehead
  • Height: 6’6”
  • Weight: 310 lbs.
  • Position: C/G
  • College: Tarleton State University
  • Twitter: awhitehead44
  • Instagram: awhitehead44

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I recently graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Kinesiology. This fall, I will be going after my Master’s in Criminal Justice. I have served on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and I have served as a volunteer for local school events.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My best quality is that I’m a hard worker. I’m never late and usually 10 minutes early. I also give it everything I got in practice, the weight room and games.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
Being the center, I have to make sure everyone is set before each play. The snap count is on me, and I have to sort things out throughout games. When I was at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, I started at all 5 positions on the offensive line. Given my size and skill set, I feel that I can be a very versatile member of the offensive line. We run a fairly balanced offense that utilizes the run and pass. We use a lot of pro-style schemes as well as some spread and zone concepts.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I played against Caleb Fox from Stephen F. Austin in our first game of 2021. He is one of the better interior guys that I have faced. He just recently transferred to TCU.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
QB Steven Duncan has easily been the most impressive guy that I have had as a teammate. He goes to work every day and lays it all out on the field. He’s a great leader and shows others the right way to do things.

I also want to shout out Kendall Dearth who plays next to me on the line. He’s a freak in the weight room and a solid guard. He helps take on double teams.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
There was a lot of uncertainty regarding my recruiting process. Coming out of JUCO, I had a few offers from some FCS schools although most of them no longer had a spot for me when it came time to sign with someone. During Christmas break, I didn’t know if I was going to continue to play football. I thought that I might have to be a walk-on somewhere. I got a call from my offensive coordinator at NEO, telling me to keep an eye out for a call from Tarleton. I spoke to Coach Scott Carey who is the OL Coach. When I came on my visit, they had a scholarship waiting on me, and the rest is history.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Either basketball or baseball. Both are sports that I really enjoyed playing in high school. Maybe slightly leaning towards basketball. I feel like that really helped with my conditioning and footwork playing football.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Getting a scholarship and earning my degree have been my proudest moments. I’ve also been part of the culture and foundation of Tarleton State since they have come up from D2. That has been an enjoyable process.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Going back to my very first play at NEO, we were playing against Arkansas Baptist. The kickoff return had us beginning near midfield. We ran an inside zone play. I got on my block and then came off on a LB. Our RB was out the gate and went blazing down field on an incredibly long run for a touchdown. That was a moment that I’ll always remember.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’ve enjoyed watching Andrew Whitworth throughout his career. He was very dominant for a long stretch. I try to pick up on some of his techniques when I watch his tape. I would love to be like him someday.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Lil Baby is one of my favorite artists. Right before games, I might listen to some Linkin Park.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My mom is the best cook I know. I love her enchiladas.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite TV show is Criminal Minds. I really enjoy most of the movies in the Marvel Universe.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to play basketball or some video games. I also enjoy hunting and fishing.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play because I love it. I first played my freshman year of high school and I’ve stuck with it ever since. My family is a big motivation. They have given me so much. I am very fortunate that I am on scholarship and that they don’t have to worry about paying for my education. I remember to play for my family every time I am out on the field.

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