2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Austin Bacher, RB, Western Oregon

• Name: Austin Bacher 
• Position: Running Back
• College: Western Oregon 
• Height: 6,1
• Weight: 220
• Twitter: AustinBacher32
• Instagram: AustinBacher32

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

I feel that I have always given a 1000% towards my goal of making it to the NFL.  From my training to my education to every team that I have played for and in my development as a team player and team leader. I would take the dedication and drive that I have had since I started playing in Pop Warner and transfer that to any team that would draft me.  I have dreamed of this moment for years. I have worked/trained/dedicated my entire life/career to getting drafted.  Not only am I always fine-tuning the physical aspect of my game, I have focused as much on the mental aspect of the game as well. I would contribute as much as I possibly could to any team.  My personality is very open and I get along with everyone, which I feel is very important in this sport.  

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I remember always loving football even when I was little. I started playing flag football in the 4th grade and then graduated to Pop Warner a year later. I love to run and found my favorite position as a running back right away. I loved the training part of it and the outright competition and battle of the game itself.  

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

All the teams should know that I would be the most grateful/respectful and dedicated player on their team putting in 1000% hard work every day producing results. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

 Because of the accident that I was involved in at a very young age, I would most definitely want to give to a children’s trauma and recovery center. I was hit by a car at the age of 8 while crossing the road by an individual who fled the scene. I was brought to the hospital, in a coma for a week, and ICU for 2 weeks.  My head swelled up like a balloon, my arm broke mid-forearm and I was on crutches. I remember the other kids that were on the floor with me and seeing all the problems they were having. I healed wonderfully without any complications, but some of the other kids were really bad. If I was ever in a position to help financially, I would like to donate to their recovery room. Maybe make it a little bigger and more kid-friendly. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Never, never ever, ever quit or give up 

Who was your childhood hero?

Well, that’s an easy one for me and that would have to be my Father. Shortly after I was born, my biological mother went away and I have never seen her since. My dad raised me by himself since I was 6 months old. I don’t remember much at that age, but my dad tells me stories about how we had to make adjustments at home. One good thing was that he became self-employed which allowed him to be at home and have a flexible schedule. He would tell me stories when I was 1 or 2 of how he set up a milk area for me at night so if I woke up, I could grab a bottle and then go back to sleep!  I thought it was a good idea. I think that is where I started to learn that no matter what you’re dealing with or going through in life, you never give up on your goals and dreams. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

I feel like Josh Mckey, RG would be the most underrated teammate at my school because he is a dominant offensive lineman who consistently shows effort and dominates in practice. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

This one is easy also. I love cleanliness and organization. I actually enjoy cleaning my room and my apartment. It sounds funny, but it’s a quiet peaceful time for me while cleaning. Every time I come back home, I clean my dad’s house and reorganize!

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

 Besides the car incident, I fully believe that the way and the route that I have had to take to get to where I am today has definitely helped shape my character and how I view life. My senior year in high school I had  D-1 offers. We did the whole visits and posters of myself from all the schools, however, my SAT was too low. That was heartbreaking but actually made me even more hungry for success. I went to a Juco school and kept my focus on my overall goal. I tore it up there. Leagues leading rusher, 1st team all-conference. Then, covid came and ruined the next year. This caused a later problem for me because as a result, we did not have a season, but I stayed in school. This kept my school clock ticking and with an extra 28 credits from that year with no football, made me again ineligible to transfer to a D-1. They all told me I had too many credits!  Imagine that… I am eligible for D2, so I received a scholarship to Colorado State-Pueblo. I had a great year there. Lead rusher and made all-conference. I entered the portal, but it was the same answer. All the schools that we were talking to, said too many credits for D1.   

Again, without hesitation, we made our contacts and packed up and moved to Western Oregon where I am on scholarship for my final year.  I feel that this route that we had to take in order to finish my dream has only made me more determined and hungry. A lot of my old teammates from high school and Juco have quit playing because of situations that came up or because they were not happy with how things were going.  I would try to tell them, to keep going and keep working hard. Actually, some of the reasons they gave me, I thought were way easier than my scenario!  I made up my mind that I was going to make it no matter what, I am almost there! 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Western Oregon has a family-friendly environment that welcomes you from day one with open arms. They have a Great facility with a great staff that helps you strive for greatness every day. 

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is hard-boiled eggs, not only because they are delicious but also nutritious.

What is the best part of football?

 First off, is the pure adrenaline rush from being on the field. The crowd, the hype, the togetherness. The tingles that I get every time when we run out. The build-up each week, the planning and preparation that we, as a team do, and that I do for myself.  I love it.  Sometimes, I get a little nervous before, but as Tyson said, once I’m in that ring/on the field, I feel like a god and I can’t be beaten.  I also love working out and keeping my body in the best possible shape ever.  

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

“Draft me, I’m the most consistent running back in my class and you won’t regret it…”

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

That’s easy- Adrian Peterson. His beast mode running style is how I have molded my style of running as well. He’s a little bigger than most of the small guys and he uses that together with his toughness and speed that I’m sure he will be a hall- of-famer. He suffered an injury, which is the same as any adversary and then he came back better than ever. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

1. Adrian Peterson- my football idol.
2. Dana White – The president of the UFC 
3. Elon Musk – to learn what a billionaire thinks like and see his personality up close.