Tavon Austin says transition to NFL harder than expected

Oct 20, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; St. Louis Rams punt returner Tavon Austin (11) runs past Carolina Panthers linebacker Jordan Senn (57) on a punt return during the game at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

St. Louis Rams rookie Tavon Austin had a lot of specialized tools at West Virginia that allowed him to make a fool of his collegiate competitors. Unfortunately for Austin, many of those intangibles that he held over fellow NCAA competitors have been neutralized as he’s advanced to the NFL.

Austin was expected to be in the running for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award – many suggesting he was the favorite. But through the first half of the season, Austin has been a severe disappointment.

The star rookie admitted the transition from college to NFL has been harder than he expected:

"“It’s all about patience and I’m sure my time will come,” the speedy rookie receiver said. “I’m learning what it takes to be successful and I’m doing the things the coaches tell me.”“This isn’t supposed to be easy,” he said. “Maybe it was a little harder than I thought at first. But all I can do is keep working.”"

Austin has received just nine targets in his last three games.

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