'Absolute football player:' Austin Brawley of Massillon commits to Ohio University

MASSILLON — Austin Brawley was all set to walk on at Kent State days after graduating from high school. Then the Massillon football star got a phone call from Ohio University's safety coach John Hauser.

This time the college offer was not to be a preferred walk-on. It was for a full-ride scholarship.

Brawley announced on Twitter this week he had switched his commitment to Ohio after planning to walk on at Kent State.

"After a surprising phone call from Coach Hauser at Ohio University, I am blessed to say I have received a full-ride scholarship," Brawley wrote. "After a lot of discussions with close friends, mentors and loved ones, I have decided that the best thing for me and my future is to de-commit from Kent State. I would like to thank you Kent State and the whole coaching staff, especially Coach (CJ) Cox and Coach (Sean) Lewis for giving me the chance. With all that being said, I would like to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career in Athens! Thank you, Coach Hauser and Coach (Tim) Albin for believing me and my abilities."

Brawley had a mixture of college interests, including walk-on offers from three different MAC schools. Massillon's head coach Nate Moore touched base with Hauser throughout Brawley's recruiting process. Hauser was high on Brawley even when he was coaching at another MAC school, Miami University.

At 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, Brawley's size worked against him in the recruiting process despite his productivity as the top player on one of Ohio's elite high school football teams.

"You can't measure heart," Moore said. "He checks on all other boxes. You just need somebody that sees those things. Coach Hauser believes in him and OU believes in him, and I'm just really happy for him."

Brawley did it all for Massillon football in all three phases. He ended the year being named first-team All-Ohio as a defensive back and shared defensive player of the year in Division II on the Northeast Inland District Team.

"Everyone in the city knows what kind of ballplayer Austin is and what he did for us, especially this (past) year, but I'm just happy for him. I'm happy for his family, " Moore said.

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On defense, he recorded 96 total tackles (65 solos), four interceptions (one pick-six), 13 pass breakups, 17 passes defensed and a forced fumble. On offense, he finished with 35 catches for  589 yards and four touchdowns. However, he was even better on special teams as totaled 926 return yards and four touchdowns on both punts and kickoffs. He also broke a school record by blocking seven kicks. A record that was held by former Massillon great, Gareon Conley.

Brawley plans on playing safety at the next level. Moore is confident he will find a way to get on the field for the Bobcats.

"I can't think of another player who has impacted the game the way he did in all three phases," Moore said. "That's what makes him special.  He's an absolute football player. I don't see a scenario where he is not on the field on special teams at least."

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Massillon's Austin Brawley commits to Ohio University football