Opening Comments
It’s been a hard decision for me to be able to go throughout these three years at Brigham Young and to be a flag bearer to the university. When coach Mendenhall says that, I truly believe in it. This has been a hard decision. I have had to talk about it quite a bit with my wife, with my parents, with my family.
Since it was so hard I wanted to go through a NFL evaluation. I realize that it is the NFL and anything can happen, but I have decided to forgo my senior season and enter the NFL draft for the 2009 draft.
It is a choice that I feel comfortable making, but at the same time I do not know what’s going to happen. I do feel confident that I am making the right decision and I am ready for the next challenge.
I appreciate this university and what it stands for. I appreciate everything that it has given me as a player and most of all as a person. I would like to thank coach Mendenhall and Tom Holmoe for everything they have provided for me. I would like to thank Max Hall and all the guys that I have played with. I would like to thank Duane Busby for always being there.
Like I said it was a hard decision and I am sad to leave. I feel it is the right decision. I’m ready to make the next step in my life and to take on the next challenge.
Can you talk about some of the factors that came into this decision and some of the things going through your mind?
After the year that I had and the success that I had, I feel like I am ready to take on the next challenge. I don’t know what will happen but I am confident in my decision and what is in store for me in the future.
Did you feel like there was nothing more you needed to prove based on the numbers and what you achieved this year?
Personally no. If I were to say there would be something to prove it would be from a team aspect. We might have a chance to make a BCS bowl game. There is always something to prove, and I think what I need to prove is at the next level.
What is it that you think you have to offer at the next level?
I think I have a lot to bring to the next level. Obviously as a receiver I can catch balls and run routes. The question now is my speed. I am going to be working hard to prove that I am fast enough to play at the next level.
What will you remember most about your experience at BYU?
That it’s not all about football. I just got done telling coach Mendenhall I appreciate all he has done for me, not only as a coach but as a person. I want to take his example and use it in my life. I’ve grown outside of football, in the classroom and off the field and I have become a better person for it.
BYU Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall
I thinks its an emotional day for all of us, by I think it’s a day to celebrate what Austin has accomplished. As a representative of the institution on the field and off the field, I could not be more proud of who he is and what he stands for. I am anxious for the NFL to see what he stands for. I think Austin will have a chance to do a lot of good for our institution, I think there is a lot of good that he can do for our faith and I think there is a message that he can carry for our program into the next realm.
Austin will be very difficult to replace and their isn’t any given player who can do that. I do believe that our program has a very good foundation and we’re making remarkable strides and consistency.
It’s always a good day when you see a player reach some of his goals, have a chance to succeed and move on to or beyond other goals. It’s a gratifying experience as a head coach. I consider it a pleasure to have worked with Austin.
Now I’m anxious to get back to work on our program and see how we will fill in the gaps, knowing that will be difficult but knowing that it will be possible. I’m anxious to see Austin’s life unfold at the next level.
BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe
It’s kind of a bittersweet day for me and for BYU students and fans. Austin is a second generation Collie and his sister is here and his brother played her. This is a great family for BYU. I want to thank him for what he gave this university and the amount of attention he generated for the university.
You think back to his career here and to be the all-time leading receiver with a year to go, is something incredible. We’ve spoken from the time he came as a freshman and he has always dreamed of being a NFL player. Now he gets that chance.
I love the fact that when kids come to BYU, they can play in the NFL. I love Austin, I love his family. Thank you, for all you have done for us, great luck to you.