Austin Ransom

Height:
5-11
Class:
Redshirt Junior
Hometown:
Williamsville, N.Y.
High School:
Williamsville East

2008 Scouting Report: A special teams staple the past two seasons...embodies the blue-collar spirit those units thrive on...was voted special teams captain by his teammates for the 2007 season...ranks among Pitt[apos]s toughest players regardless of size or position...joined team as a walk-on in 2004 but was awarded a scholarship prior to last season...will move to strong safety to supplement that position[apos]s depth after previously working at receiver...excellent student who was named to the Big East All-Academic Football Team last year.

2007: Played in all 12 games to earn his second letter...had 11 tackles...played on kickoff cover, punt return and kickoff return units...had a season-high two tackles in three separate contests, including Grambling, Syracuse and Rutgers...was selected Pitt[apos]s Most Improved Special Teams Player by the coaching staff.

2006: Played in all 12 games on special teams to letter...saw time on the kickoff and punt return teams...had three tackles.

2005: Played in three games on the punt return unit (Syracuse, Connecticut and West Virginia)...was a scout team standout, earning Special Teams Prep Player of the Year honors from the coaching staff. 2004: Joined team as a walk-on and redshirted as a true freshman.

High School: Two-time All-ECIC...Honorable Mention All-Western New York...had 42 receptions for 745 yards (17.7 avg.) and six TDs as a senior...also had 58 tackles and an interception at safety...Williamsville East[apos]s Outstanding Athlete...three-year football letterman... played under Coach Henry Fumerelli...also lettered in basketball and lacrosse...finished his lacrosse career ranked fourth in school history in goals scored...founded S.P.E.A.K. (Students Promoting Equality Acceptance Knowledgeably)...Inter-High Council Vice President.

Personal: Austin Tyler Ransom, born 4/17/86, is the son of William and Harriet Ransom...has one brother... graduated this past April with a bachelor[apos]s degree in communication and rhetoric...currently enrolled in Pitt[apos]s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.