Completed Event: Football at Temple on September 13, 2025 , Win , 42, to, 3
Final
Football
42
at Temple
3
University of Oklahoma Athletics
English Has a Plan for the Future
November 04, 2009 | Football
 |
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| Senior DE Auston English |
After representing the University of Oklahoma in the classroom and on the field, some wonder what the future holds for Sooner student-athletes. Senior defensive end Auston English has a plan -- to earn a master's degree.
With a planned program undergraduate degree, English has taken the right classes to advance his education in human relations and seek a profession that will let him be involved with giving back to the community.
"I want to do some sort of counseling," said English. "Whether it's being a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or just coaching and mentoring. I just want to be able to help people in need and be able to give back."
The Canadian, Texas, native arrived in Norman, Okla., and saw limited action as a true freshman. He used a redshirt year in 2006 before making a name for himself on the Big 12 and national scene. He earned first team Big 12 and Sports Illustrated All-America honorable mention honors in 2007 before adding All-Big 12 Academic first team honors in 2008.
Throughout high school  and college, English has realized the importance of having a role model. That is why he would like to give back. |
Throughout high school and college, English has realized the importance of having a role model or somebody to steer children in the right direction. That is why he would like to do more in his own community.
"Auston wants to help children on some level by coaching or counseling," said English's mother Kelly English. "He sees struggling young people these days and thinks that he could help them."
Growing up in a small oil and cattle town like Canadian where everybody knows each other, English was very involved with school activities and the outdoors. All the 2,300 citizens of the Texas panhandle town are very supportive of community activities and each other.
"Auston wants to help
kids on some level by coaching or counseling. He sees struggling young people and thinks he could help them." |
The English household was an active place growing up with sporting events and an emphasis on academics. Five of English's siblings played sports and took music lessons, keeping things busy, according to English.
Through all the extra activities, English maintained high expectations for himself and his studies.
"As far as his work ethic is concerned, he has done a great job since he has been here," said Teresa Turner, a football academic advisor. "He has been a very good student and I think that it speaks volumes that he was able to finish his degree and start on his master's degree."
Commitment to a goal was something that English's parents, Dean and Kelly, emphasized. They also wanted to make sure that all their children were well-rounded and had many options in their lives that would lead to potential success. With that kind of direction from his parents, English learned how to prioritize his life.
| Whether it's being a star on the football field or classroom, English will be a role model for those in his community. |
English, who graduated last May, is enrolled in nine hours of graduate level classes this semester. He is enjoying taking on a new challenge in his life. Whether it's being a star on the football field or classroom, English will be a leader and role model for those in his community.
The future plans are simple for English -- to give back in some way to those communities that have given him so much support.
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Feature by Matt Wilson | OU Athletics Media Relations
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