Athlete Spotlight: Austin Dahmer #2

SPORTS: Football

Tell us your story. What life experiences have impacted your journey? What motivates you? What is your “why"?

My dad passed away from cancer when I was younger, so I had a difficult upbringing and have always been the underdog. I know that God gave me this goal for a purpose, so I'm going to take it and go as far as he commands. No one really gives me the chance, whether it be in sports, family, or anything else, so my motivation is to show myself that I'm right and everyone else was wrong.

What role does your faith play in your life and in your sports career?

If I'm being honest, my faith has been a roller coaster. I knew God was there, but I wasn't sure if he truly had me. However, during my senior year of football, I truly felt that he was with me and made sure I had an impact. I'm grateful that he allowed me to demonstrate my abilities, but I would say that I do so by praying before and giving thanks to him for every victory or defeat and that’s on the field and in life because we can’t do this life without him.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, which one and why?

I follow Proverbs 3:5–6, which says that if you trust in God, he will straighten your way and you should submit to him rather than rely on your wisdom. And I love that scripture because it truly puts your life in perspective. We believe we can handle things on our own, but we can't, therefore we must have faith in him. If we do, everything will work out.

What accomplishment are you most proud of personally and athletically (name one of each)?

My greatest achievements both on the field and in life. My senior year, I made the first team All League and the second team All District. Although I consider myself extremely fortunate to have achieved those goals, I owe God and my teammates the credit. I believe it was during my sophomore year that I devoted my life to God, discovered who I was with him, and put my trust in him. The final achievement is undoubtedly being able to play collegiate ball. I know I can advance to a higher division, but many others don't have the chance to play, so I'm simply fortunate that Hocking saw potential in me.

What do you feel sets you apart from your competition and what skills do you currently possess that are your biggest assets?

I believe that what makes me different from my competitors is that I'm a winner and someone who will fight every day to achieve a goal I set for myself as a kid. I'll be the person who arrives early and leaves late; that's what you'll get out of me. However, I believe my greatest skill set is my quickness and catching abilities. I'm going to make a play with the ball if you put it in my frame, especially since I'm more nimble today than I was in high school and you’re gonna get a person with great football IQ.

What skills are you most focused on improving?

Without a doubt, I would say speed. I know I can run at top speed, but I need to be flying on film and for the next level. You can always go faster.

Tell us what a typical day or week is like for you:

On a typical Wednesday, for instance, we have a brief snack and work out from 9 to 11 a.m., using our primary lift and additional after to truly prepare my head for practices and games. I then log on and watch the tape after that. What could I do better? I watch routes, hands, etc. And then eat lunch, answer calls for work, and then hang out with my girlfriends or friends.

What are your plans for the future and what is your number one objective for the next year / season?

My objectives are straightforward; if you know me, you are aware of my primary objective, which is to play D1 and ultimately earn a career in the NFL. And my top goal is to smash records, turn heads, and gain 1,000 receiving yards as a freshman. Coaches need to check if I've held up after a year off, so I know I have a lot to prove this year, but I'm going to show that I've been putting in a lot of effort.

What is the biggest challenge you see in achieving your upcoming goal or where could you use help?

I know I've prepared, so I don't view it as a difficulty especially if I come in every week to prepare. But the biggest obstacle is not playing enough when I get the chance or not doing as good as I want to, but it simply comes down to my work ethic and seeing if I can manage what's coming at me.

What words of advice do you have for younger athletes that are up and coming?

To the younger athletes you should enjoy your time with sports because we only have a limited amount of time to play this game and we grow up quickly. So, put up your best effort in everything, enjoy yourself, and remember that hard work is necessary if you want to succeed.

Who was your favorite player growing up or who's style of play do you most admire?

100% Cam Newton and Odell Beckham Jr. Both were enormous role models for me as a child. I wanted to play quarterback my entire life because of Cam, and I knew I had a knack for wide receiver because of OBJ. Of course, I chose the WR route instead, but as a child, I saw OBJ's one-handed catch and realized that he was my favorite player because of how dominant he was and how smooth his routes were.

What one question would you have for your favorite athlete if they were sitting here now?

I would ask what he's learned about playing in the NFL and what I can apply to my own game.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?

First and foremost trust in God. He will take you and lead you if you let him.