Austin chose to attend Clemson University over Maryland, Penn State, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest.

He redshirted as a freshman in 2005 and was named the offensive scout team player of the year by the Clemson coaching staff.

In 2008, as a junior, Austin started 13 games and was three times named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week, while leading his team with 98 knockdown blocks.

In 2009, Austin started every game again as a senior co-captain, and was named to the All-ACC second-team for a second straight season, this time as a guard.

Signed undrafted with the Minnesota Vikings in April 2010 and spent time with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, and Indianapolis Colts.

Austin began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater Clemson under Dabo Swinney in 2015 where he stayed until 2018.