New CB arrives with McGinest, Jones ties
FOXBORO >> Patriots rookie cornerback Alex Austin walked into the team’s facility for the first time Thursday morning and spotted a familiar face.
Childhood friend, former Pop Warner teammate and high school classmate Jack Jones.
Austin, who signed Thursday to the open roster created by Kendrick Bourne’s recent placement on injured reserve, grew up with Jones in Long Beach, Calif. They reunited after Austin landed on his second of two flights, a redeye from Los Angeles that followed a short hop from Houston. Austin had spent weeks on the Texans’ practice squad until the team cut ties and released him Wednesday.
After initially believing he would return to Buffalo, where the Bills drafted him in the seventh round last April, his agent called with an update.
The Patriots wanted him. He could sign as soon as Thursday.
Austin couldn’t have asked for better news. He had another connection to New England, aside from Jones: Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker Willie McGinest.
McGinest is a close family friend, close enough Austin refers to him as an uncle.
“(McGinest) got a lot of accolades and won three Super Bowls. I know all about the Patriots and the Patriot Way,” Austin said. “I talked to Willie yesterday as soon as we found out I was coming here. He was happy, he was ecstatic.”
Austin has appeared in three games this season, all with Houston. He saw five defensive snaps and 14 on special teams. He did not accrue any statistics. Austin told the Herald he expects to play on special teams Sunday against Washington, and he’s open to an emergency role on defense.
“If they need me on defense for some man coverage or whatever it is, then I’m ready to go out there and play defense, as well,” Austin said.
Jones expects his old friend to play at full throttle.
“He’s gonna go hard. He’s gonna give everything he got,” Jones said. “And we’re definitely gonna need it.”
Austin joins Jones, Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson, Myles Bryant and Shaun Wade on the team’s cornerback depth chart. Jonathan Jones is dealing with a persistent knee injury, while Bryant popped up on this week’s injury report with a chest ailment. It’s possible he could serve as an injury replacement down the line, though Austin admitted he’s working strictly on the basics of the defense and position.
“Practice was good. Just feeling the new scheme, what I’ll be running, getting a feel for things. getting a feel for the group of guys I’m working around,” he said. “Today was just a day to get a feel for things.”
As a prospect out of Oregon State, Austin clocked a 4.55 in the 40-yard dash and tested below-average for his position in the vertical jump and broad jump. He recorded two interceptions last year, including a pick-six. Austin earned AllPac-12 honor mention at the end of the season, having also tallied 57 tackles,10 pass breakups and a sack.
During the draft process, he was well-regarded for his instincts and versatility in coverage; traits Austin knows the Patriots have long sought in their cornerbacks. The 22-year-old told reporters he studied former Pats cornerback Stephon Gilmore on tape when he was in college.
“It’s all surreal for me to be in this locker room right now,” Austin said. “After growing up knowing everything about the Patriots, it’s all surreal. I’m just taking it all in.”
Austin said he planned to call McGinest on Thursday night to recap his first day. He hadn’t even checked in to his hotel room yet around the corner from the stadium. Austin shared he hopes to make New England his home.
Thursday marked a great first step.
“I’m just blessed with opportunity,” he said. “You know, I’m happy to be here in New England, with a great franchise, a great organization, a great group of guys. I’m just ready to learn and contribute to this defense.”