Professional play

Austin Reiter spent the past four months pushing his body to new limits, going through countless tests, drills and evaluations and showing he’s capable of playing at the next level. 

Now with the NFL draft finally upon him, the former Lakewood Ranch High and University of South Florida center can relax to some degree and focus on what got him here — a combination of talent, hard work and passion for the game. 

Reiter has done his best to downplay the hype that comes with the possibility of being chosen in the NFL draft, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have his cellphone charged and waiting when the 2015 NFL draft begins April 30. 

“I don’t really build anything up like that because nothing is guaranteed,” Reiter says. 

But like all prospects, Reiter is hoping to be one of the 256 picks in the seven-round draft, which continues through May 2. 

How could he not? It’s what he’s been working toward ever since he first began training at USF. 

“Any high school football player who goes to a Division I school, playing in the NFL is definitely something you strive for,” Reiter says. “Why wouldn’t you try and give it a shot? I’ve been doing it for so long. It’s kind of like an internship for five years, so you might as well take a chance at least.” 

Reiter first donned a football helmet in the third grade, but his journey truly began nine years ago on the Mustangs’ field. It was there that Reiter began crafting his skill set and realizing his true potential. From that point on, Reiter moved across both the offensive and defensive lines before finding a home at center. 

“I like how technical the center has to be,” Reiter says. “Some people do well with general instruction and some energy, but my (position) requires something special. Being in the middle, you’re involved in pretty much (every play).” 

A 2010 graduate of Lakewood, Reiter played 10 games along the offensive line and special teams as a redshirt freshman before making his first start in 2012. 

Reiter started all 12 games at center in his final three seasons with the Bulls and was named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List in 2013 and 2014. 

Reiter graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in relational communications in fall 2013 and will earn a bachelor of science degree in public health this spring. 

Following his final season at USF, Reiter began training for the NFL draft in January. He began training at Athletic Edge Sports Performance Conditioning in Lakewood Ranch under the guidance of strength and conditioning specialist Mike Gough, who has trained numerous professional and Olympic athletes. 

“He’s a real tough kid with lot of heart, and he’s put the time in to develop himself physically,” Gough says. “I’ve trained so many players, and he has all of the physical intangible tools to play at that level. He just needs a chance to get into a camp. There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be able to stick and have a career in the NFL.” 

Reiter attended a regional combine Feb. 7, in Miami. From there, he was invited to participate in the NFL Super Regional Combine March 21, in Arizona. During the combine, Reiter was evaluated on the six testing elements, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, pro shuttle and three-cone drill. He also completed a series of position-specific drills. 

“It’s an area that’s completely new,” Reiter says. “You’re moving toward trying to become a professional athlete. The whole process is (different). It’s not like being recruited in high school. It’s all new terrain.” 

Following the NFL Super Regional Combine, Reiter performed for NFL scouts during USF’s Pro Day March 26. He also attended a local day with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers April 10. 

Now, it’s just a matter of seeing which of the NFL’s 32 teams is willing to make the call. 

“It’s kind of like all of my hard work is coming to fruition,” Reiter says. “This is something I’ve always wanted ever since I got to USF.” 

“I’ve trained so many players and he has all of the physical intangible tools to play at that level. He just needs a chance to get into a camp.” – Mike Gough, Strength and conditioning specialist