One of TC’s leading receivers is now a Plant Panther

Posted Jun 14, 2010 by Katherine Smith and Bill Ward

Updated Jun 14, 2010 at 02:34 PM

Former Tampa Catholic wide receiver Austin Aikens has transferred to Plant.

The Aikens family, which also includes Austin’s brother Aaron, a sophomore who played junior varsity football last year, moved into the Plant district.

“I never thought I would ever entertain the idea of them going anywhere other than Tampa Catholic but my wife and I have to do what we believe is in the best interest of our kids,” said Aikens father Teryl, who is a Tampa Catholic alumnus. “We love our kids and would go to the ends of the earth to do what’s best for them, both academically and athletically.”

A three-sport athlete for the Crusaders, Aikens also played basketball and participated in track and field. He’s a key addition to a Plant offense that lost its four leading receivers to graduation.

Last season, Aikins was second in receiving with 13 receptions for 139 yards for the Crusaders. In Tampa Catholic’s state championship game loss to Jacksonville Bolles, the rising junior, who has interest from Florida State, Kansas, South Carolina and Texas Tech, had one reception for four yards.

“I guess I’m more disappointed as a TC alumnus than I am as a football coach,” said Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez, referring to the fact that the Aikens’ father, Teryl, is a Crusaders alumnus, as well as other members of the Aikens family. “He (Austin) is a receiver with a great deal of potential but potential is a different word than production. So now he’s going to have to produce. Good luck to him.”