Austin embraces role of leader

CLEMSON -- Not often will a head coach label a left guard as the team leader.

Not often will one hear a left guard quoting Confederate general Stonewall Jackson.

But Clemson left guard Thomas Austin seemed destined for leadership from the beginning, perhaps destined to lead the Tigers out from a 2-3 start this season.

The senior makes his final run down the hill at Death Valley against Virginia on Saturday, when Clemson can clinch its first Atlantic Division title with a victory.

"He's the leader of our team," said coach Dabo Swinney, who named Austin as one of six captains for the remainder of the season, joining C.J. Spiller, Michael Palmer, Kavell Conner, Chris Chancellor and Ricky Sapp.

"He's a leader."

Perhaps the role was inevitable for Austin.

Both Austin's grandfathers served in the military. His father, Tom Austin, graduated from West Point, where he was captain of the lacrosse and rugby teams. He served with the elite 101st Airborne and 3rd Armored Division, and fought in the first Gulf War. He settled in Camden and become the commandant at the Camden Military Academy.

Camden is listed as Thomas Austin's hometown, but he was born in West Point, where the academy's lessons of fortitude and leadership where passed along from the father to his six children.

"Character, leadership and integrity are the keys," said Tom Austin of the message relayed to his children over and over again.

His daughter is serving in Afghanistan, and two sons-in-law have had tours in Iraq.

At the Austin Ranch in Camden, Clemson's All-ACC guard -- Thomas Adam Austin V -- grew up with listening to stories of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, admired "as a leader, a warrior and a strong Christian," by his father.

"Historic figures have always been associated with football," Tom said, "in combat and football there is a brotherhood. … For better or for worse you are a band of brothers, though beyond that it is not the same thing."

Thomas Austin, the only married Tigers player, boiled down his view of leadership Tuesday.

"To earn respect you have to give respect," said Austin, a political science major and history buff. "I just kept my mouth shut and worked hard to have the opportunity (to lead). I've seen (seasons) slip away so many years (at Clemson) I didn't want to see it again this year."

Not on his senior watch, he vowed.

He talked with Spiller following the Maryland loss about holding a players-only meeting.

"There were two things we could do: give up or work hard," Austin said. "We just had to do some soul searching. Players had to take ownership of what was going on."

Since the meeting, the Tigers have won five straight.

The offensive line has paved the way for an average of 205 rushing yards per game.

Austin has a mid-foot sprain but hopes to be a part of sixth straight win Saturday. Tom says his son will play.

To Swinney, not only is Austin a rare leader and a tough guy, he's also a rare talent. He's expected to be a an early-round NFL pick.

"Thomas Austin is probably the best lineman we've had here in a while," Swinney said.

A player whose work ethic Swinney hopes is absorbed by underclassmen.

A leader, a student of history, Swinney hopes helps creates history during his final games.

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.