The University of Akron Athletics
2019 Akron Football Roster

Jersey Number 78
Austin Sample
- Height:
- 6-3
- Weight:
- 300
- Class:
- Redshirt Junior
- Hometown:
- Sylvania, Ohio
- High School:
- Northview
As a Redshirt Junior (2019): Played in 10 games with one start at left tackle ... saw action with the kicking units ... started in the season opener at Illinois.
As a Redshirt Sophomore (2018): Played in four games … saw action with the kicking unit ... played against Northern Illinois, Bowling Green, at Ohio, and at South Carolina.
As a Redshirt Freshman (2017): Academic Award … played in four games … in the win over Ohio, helped the Zips to 443 yards of total offense and four passing touchdowns while securing Akron’s top spot in the MAC East … the offensive line provided perfect protection in the win over Arkansas Pine Bluff, helping UA to 267 rushing yards and five touchdowns … lettered.
As a Freshman (2016): Redshirted … recipient of the Rise & Shine Award.
High School: Four-year letterwinner on the offensive line for coach Doug Downing at Northview Sylvania HS … played tackle, guard, and center throughout his prep career … two-time first-team All-NLL Conference selection … also a three-year letterwinner in basketball … Volunteer Award … volunteered for over 300 hours.
Personal: Born October 10, 1997 … parents are Mike and Julie Sample … has two brothers– Evan and Alex– and a younger sister Madison … marketing major.
As a Redshirt Sophomore (2018): Played in four games … saw action with the kicking unit ... played against Northern Illinois, Bowling Green, at Ohio, and at South Carolina.
As a Redshirt Freshman (2017): Academic Award … played in four games … in the win over Ohio, helped the Zips to 443 yards of total offense and four passing touchdowns while securing Akron’s top spot in the MAC East … the offensive line provided perfect protection in the win over Arkansas Pine Bluff, helping UA to 267 rushing yards and five touchdowns … lettered.
As a Freshman (2016): Redshirted … recipient of the Rise & Shine Award.
High School: Four-year letterwinner on the offensive line for coach Doug Downing at Northview Sylvania HS … played tackle, guard, and center throughout his prep career … two-time first-team All-NLL Conference selection … also a three-year letterwinner in basketball … Volunteer Award … volunteered for over 300 hours.
Personal: Born October 10, 1997 … parents are Mike and Julie Sample … has two brothers– Evan and Alex– and a younger sister Madison … marketing major.
2026 Akron Zips Day of Giving (Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich) - Mid Day Message
Wednesday, April 22
2026 Akron Zips Day of Giving (Marty Hauser)
Wednesday, April 22
2026 Akron Zips Day of Giving (Dr. Tim Meyers)
Wednesday, April 22
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Wednesday, April 22










