Richt: Austin could be Southern's best back ever

ATHENS – Now in his third season as starting fullback, Georgia Southern’s Jermaine Austin could give Georgia some problems come Saturday.

Austin will be the number one player that Georgia must slow down on Saturday, and that was pointed out in today’s weekly press conference in Athens.

“We expect great things from him this year,” said Georgia Southern head coach Mike Sewak.

Austin is Georgia Southern’s top offensive player. The Eagles, who run the triple option, use Austin repetitively in their attack. So much so, in fact, that Austin averaged 132 yards per game last season. It was good enough to earn player of the year honors for the Southern Conference.

“They call him a fullback, but he is their main running back,” said Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt. “He is as good a back, maybe as good a back as they have ever had.”

Georgia Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder and his staff used much of last week’s practice to prepare for Austin and Georgia Southern’s option. The Bulldogs do not regularly see the option in Southeastern Conference play, and they have admitted that getting ready for it has been cumbersome.

“If you don’t stop the fullback – your done,” said Richt. “If he gets into the open field we are going to have a problem. He and their quarterback are keys to their scoring. You have to stop those two.”