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April 28, 2008

Mayo's HS coach weighs in

We just finished a long conversation with Jerod Mayo's high school coach, Tommy Austin. Austin coached Mayo at Kecoughtan High in Hampton, Va. from his sophomore season on, and had some great things to say about his former star.

It remains to be seen how Mayo will develop as a player for the Patriots, but it sounds as though he certainly fits the mold of high-character guys New England loves.

"He's probably the best I’ve ever coached as far as complete package," Austin said. "As a football player and a human being. Jerod is the total package."

The coach, who retired from teaching and coaching last year after more than 20 years and now works at Chowan University in North Carolina, also coached former Patriot Antwan Harris in high school.

Austin said he still talks to Mayo at least once a month, and when they do chat, Mayo's first question to Austin is about the coach's family. If Austin's two daughters are home, Mayo wants to speak with them as well.

The coach said Mayo is always appreciative and takes time to thank others for the little things. Austin's daughter, Lindsey, served as a team manager her senior year at Kecoughtan, and he recalled one day, after Lindsey did a favor for Mayo, he asked her to marry him.

"I doubt the proposal is still open," Austin said with a chuckle, "but I hope she finds somebody just like Jerod."

And really, what better compliment is there than that?

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 1:38 PM | Permalink