Name: Austin May
School: Wingate
Position: OL
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 315
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
As an athlete, your goal is always to play at the highest level you can as an individual and as a team. One of my career goals was to win a Collegiate Conference Championship, which we did in the 2017 season. Going into my senior season one goal I had not accomplished was to receive All-Conference Honors. I accomplished this goal being named an All-South Atlantic Conference Offensive Lineman both pre and post season. At the conclusion of my final season, I achieved my last goal by breaking the Wingate University school record with 46 career starts. These three goals have summed up the success of my collegiate career and are goals I am very proud of attaining.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
I believe my coaches would say that I lead by example, and that I work hard in the weight room, on the field, and in the classroom. They would also say that I am a reliable and versatile player who uses his athleticism as an advantage over my opponents. My coaches recognize my football intelligence and that I am very coachable. I believe I have continuously exceeded expectations from my first day stepping on campus to my final collegiate game.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
I first look at my assignments on each play to see what I may have missed or what I can improve on from a scheming stand point. I then look at my technique on each play and set goals for my weekly practice to improve footwork and hand placement. Likewise, when studying opponents film, I look at the defensive tendencies, body language, ‘favorite’ moves, and other scheming tips. Each of these opportunities help to improve me as a player as well as allowing me opportunities to gain an advantage on game day.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
From Middle School throughout High School, my football career was played at the Tight End position. Requiring more athleticism and speed, experience in this position has allowed me to be a more versatile player. Likewise, this experience has given me the ability to play multiple positions on the Offensive Line. My on-field intelligence allows me to examine what the defense is running and make the appropriate calls or adjustments to better execute my assignment. Lastly, having started every game of my career with 46 consecutive starts I have shown that I am a durable athlete who fights through injuries to be successful. This task is not easily achieved and one that allows me to be a long term solution for any team.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I will work with a professional fitness organization to work on my speed, quickness, agility, and strength. Another important area that I will be working on is honing in my technique and footwork to allow me to be more successful on the field.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My character as a man, both on and off the field, will make me stand out from others. During my time at Wingate, I was an FCA huddle leader for the football team for three years. This has proven that I am a leader who my teammates can trust, respect, and rely on. I believe character and integrity are key elements of success. Also, my role as an offensive lineman is one that neither gets nor seeks recognition. Offensive lineman work hard in the trenches everyday while putting their teammates above themselves.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
Most teams look for players that are hard working, dedicated, tough, have strong character, intelligent, durable, and can adapt easily. I see myself as having all these traits, as well as, many more that would benefit any organization. I have confidence in my ability to make an immediate and sustaining impact to any program that gives me an opportunity. I have proven my versatility and durability as a player and I have contributed to the success of Wingate Bulldog Football for the past four seasons. It is my belief that hard work is the key to any successful individual or organization. Like our coach always said, “We do two things here, work hard and win, and the reason we win is because we work hard. So in fact we only do one thing, which is work hard.”
