RJ Austin grew up dreaming of playing professional sports.
His father, Reggie, played in the NFL for the Chicago Bears from 1999 to 2003, providing Austin with inspiration and motivation to pursue a similar path.
While his father made a name for himself on the football field, Austin gravitated toward baseball — a decision that’s worked out well for the athletic Georgia native.
A standout high school shortstop, Austin drew interest in the MLB draft but opted to attend Vanderbilt instead. That choice has paid off, giving him a chance to develop his game, face elite competition and earn a college degree. Now, three years later, Austin is draft-eligible once again and is projected by scouts as a potential second- or third-round pick in July.
“That’s my dream to make it pro one day,” Austin said. “My dad has always been my role model. When I grew up, I learned that there are not many people who can survive making it to the pros. Looking up to my dad, he has always pushed me, especially in the classroom, and to be a good person.”
Listed at 5-foot-11 and 193 pounds, Austin is a right-handed hitter known for his athleticism, ability to make consistent contact and defensive versatility.
He has steadily improved at the plate throughout his college career, refining his swing and sharpening his approach. While he doesn’t hit for much power, he has strength and room to grow offensively. His speed and instincts allow him to be aggressive on the basepaths.
“I am a guy that anytime I get on the field I want to win,” Austin said. “Any team needs a guy that no matter the day, the weather or who you are playing is trying to win. I’m just that energy that the team needs – the spark plug. You put me in, and I’m going to make things happen.”
Although Austin played shortstop growing up, he’s moved all over the diamond at Vanderbilt. He spent most of his freshman year at second base, transitioned to first base as a sophomore and is now playing center field — a position he had never played before college. While still refining his outfield skills, scouts believe he has the tools to handle the position long-term, thanks to his speed, instincts and work ethic.
“Wherever a team needs me, I will play there,” Austin said. “I have to be ready to play any position. It’s just a blessing to be here and can show off my tools to play a lot of positions.”
As a freshman, Austin hit .257 with 11 doubles, seven home runs and 43 RBIs in 62 games. He took a noticeable leap forward as a sophomore, batting .335 with 14 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 54 RBIs and 28 stolen bases in 60 games.
This season, Austin has flashed his trademark energy and versatility, even if his production hasn’t quite matched last year’s breakout numbers. Through 43 games, he is batting .256 with 10 doubles, four triples, one home run, 27 RBIs and 19 stolen bases.
Despite Austin’s inconsistency, Vanderbilt is trending upward as the postseason approaches. The Commodores haven’t advanced past the NCAA Tournament regionals in the past three seasons, but they’ve bounced back from last year’s 38-win campaign and regional exit. With three weeks left in the regular season, Vanderbilt sits at 32-13 and is eyeing a deeper postseason run.
“We are just a better overall team,” Austin said. “We have more talent and depth. Last year, we had four or five guys hurt. That really sucked for us. This year, we have a lot of pitchers and depth in our lineup.”
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for 10 years. He has interviewed 580 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
