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| Austin Hinder, a rising junior from Steamboat Springs, Colorado received his first scholarship offer after attending the Cal Bears football camp.
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“Coach Tedford took me out onto the field and worked with me on throwing different routes,” explains Hinder. “He was observing what I could do as well as teaching me different things that Cal does with their quarterbacks. After the workout, I went over to the sidelines to sit down and take off my cleats, when he came over and said that I had a home at Cal. That’s when he offered me a scholarship.”
The University of California is the alma mater of Hinder’s grandfather, Jim Hanifan, arguably the finest offensive line coach in the history of professional football. During his time in the NFL, Hanifan served as Head Coach for the St. Louis Cardinals for six seasons (1980-1985), and was on the staff for two Super Bowl championship teams - the Washington Redskins in 1991 and the St. Louis Rams in 1999.
“I have been to Cal quite a bit and I love the place,” proclaims Hinder. “My grandfather played his college football there and would later be inducted into the athletic Hall of Fame. So it’s always been a big school that I’ve watched. I was so happy to receive news of the offer. It was a really exciting moment for me.”
The interest from colleges doesn’t stop with Cal. Although college coaches are prohibited from initiating contact with Hinder at this point in his young career, that hasn’t stopped the rising junior from garnering the attention of various programs across the country.
“Outside of Cal, I have received considerable interest from UCLA, Oregon, Stanford, Colorado, Colorado State, Texas, Texas A&M, Missouri, Vanderbilt, Kansas, and Kansas State,” states Hinder.
Though he is not far into his recruiting process, Hinder has a precise list of three factors that he is looking for in a college suitor.
“My most important criteria is location,” admits Hinder. “I have to ask myself where I want to live for the next four to five years of my life and if the program is close enough for my parents to easily travel to the games. Secondly, would be the coaching staff and their offensive scheme. I’m a pro-style quarterback who likes to drop back and throw the ball. Lastly, would be the programs academic reputation. Academics are really important to me because you always need something to fall back on in case football doesn’t work out.”
As a sophomore, Hinder completed 123/186 passes for 1500 yards and 17 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions. Over the ground, he rushed for 600 yards and scored seven touchdowns. His performance earned him All-State honorable mention, All-Western Slope and All-League honors.
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