Clemson, Duke, Cavs showing interest in Latin WR

With Charlotte Latin wide receiver Davis Austin having a remarkable senior season, several ACC schools have started getting involved. Austin was hosted by Virginia last weekend and Clemson the week before on unofficial visits, and is set to attend Duke’s next home game.

This has been something of a change; until recently, most of Austin’s attention was coming from several Ivy League schools, William & Mary, The Citadel and Furman.

But Austin has the size (6-foot-5, 195 pounds) and decent speed (4.65 seconds in the 40-yard dash) to go with it, and now his production is making some of the bigger schools think twice.

Austin has set an N.C. prep record with TD catches in nine straight games. He has 35 receptions overall, good for 772 yards and 13 scores

“We were surprised that that was the record, especially with all the great receivers schools like Independence have had,” said Latin coach Larry McNulty this afternoon just before a rain-drenched practice. “But Davis has had a fine season. He has good hands, and he really runs well after the catch.”

ACC schools could offer Austin the chance to be a “preferred walk-on,” with the possibility of earning a scholarship later. But he has excellent grades, and could decide to get a good education at one of those smaller schools.

--Stan Olson

Remember, if you know of top juniors for our upcoming list, email me at solson@charlotteobserver.com