For the Massillon Tigers, it’s Austin Brawley’s time to shine
MASSILLON, Ohio — As the Massillon Tigers football team looks to rebuild and not miss a beat in 2021, Austin Brawley will play a key role. Brawley was a solid defensive player and special teams star during his sophomore and junior years but always played more of a supportive role. Now a senior, Brawley will be asked to lead. This may seem like a tall order to some, but Brawley is more than ready for the challenge.
One of only four returning starters from last year, Brawley has earned a reputation as an innovative, speedy playmaker on the football field. Last year as a safety, he was second on the team with three interceptions and finished in the top four in tackles. He even earned a Play of the Year Award on a punt he returned for a touchdown in the regional championship game. Throw in a forced fumble and a blocked punt, and Brawley had himself an outstanding junior year.
As a two-way player, however, Brawley has been boxed in by Massillon’s talent at wide receiver. A wide receiver on the offensive side of the ball, Austin struggled to find playing time last year amid three other wideouts who all went on to play at Division I colleges. Brawley will be asked to step up on offense, play lockdown defense and be a team leader. All this while maintaining his 3.74 GPA and competing in other sports outside of football.
Aside from being an outstanding football player, Brawley also competes in track and field. Track and field is a great way to stay in shape during football’s offseason, and it just so happens that Brawley excels at the sport. Brawley competes in the 100-meter run, the long jump, the 4x100m relay, and the 4x200m relay. In the 4x200m relay, Brawley and his squad placed in the top three in this year’s OHSAA Division I State Track & Field Championships. Not too shabby for someone’s second sport.
The 2021 year will be a make-or-break season for Brawley. As a senior this year, Brawley will be asked to be a big-time playmaker on both offense and defense. Everyone knows about his speed, athleticism, and big-play potential, but can he be the difference-maker that Massillon needs. Brawley had just five catches for 124 yards a year ago, but he returns as the team’s leading receiver. Massillon is rebuilding but excited to see what Brawley and other players like him do with their chance to shine.
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