2025 Season ending interview with Zahir “Maui” Austin from Martin Luther King, PA. and Eastern University, Pa commit

Zahir “Maui” Austin

Martin Luther King High School, Philadelphia, PA

Nose Guard/Defensive Tackle

C/O 26’

HT: 6’1.5 WT: 315

Jersey Number: 79

Awards won or earned:

HUDL LINK: http://www.hudl.com/v/2T5mZi

Other sports played: Track, Wrestling, and Powerlifting.

Please post something from last season that sticks out to you. It can be from a game, practice, or something funny on the bus ride to or from the game. Any moment that sticks out to you.

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What were your feelings as you walked off the field for the last time as a member of the Martin Luther King football team?

As I walked off the field for the last time as a member of the Martin Luther King football team, my biggest feeling was that I could’ve done more. I felt like there was still a lot left on the table in every game. At the same time, that feeling motivates me—it reminds me of the standard I expect from myself and the lessons I’ll carry with me moving forward.

What do you think you will miss the most from playing high school football?

What I’ll miss most about high school football is the culture. For the past few years, all I’ve known is King football—it became a part of who I am. The brotherhood we built is something special. I met people along the way who I can truly call my brothers, and those relationships and memories will stay with me long after the game.

What was the biggest lesson you learned from playing high school football?

The biggest lesson I learned from high school football came in two ways—one taught to me by my coach and one learned through experience. Coach Jordan Alexander always told us, “If you love this game, it will love you back.” Football isn’t for everyone. Not everyone is built to handle the early mornings, the lifts, the conditioning, or the physical one-on-ones. The game demands toughness, discipline, and commitment—it isn’t easy, and it isn’t for the weak.

What made you a good teammate?

I believe what made me a good teammate was my reliability. My teammates could depend on me at any moment—not just on the field, but off it as well. I would play because being available and doing my part mattered more to me than personal comfort. I always tried to be someone my teammates could trust in tough situations.

What mark do you believe your class left on the football program?

I believe our class left a complicated but meaningful mark on the program. We were a unique group—full of talent, personality, and individual ability. Some of us will go on to play college football, which speaks to the level of talent we had. However, our biggest strength as individuals also became our biggest weakness as a team. We didn’t always come together or meet the standard that was expected of us collectively. While we may not have fully reached our potential as a group, our experience serves as a lesson on the importance of unity, accountability, and playing for something bigger than ourselves.

Who was the best player that you faced in a game, along with the team they were on?

Not going to give him nor his team credit. When I see him in the All-Pub game, I plan to finish what we started.

What was your biggest accomplishment as a football player?

My biggest accomplishment as a football player came both on and off the field. On the field, beating West Philadelphia High School 45–0 stands out as a moment that showed what we were capable of when we executed and played together. Off the field, receiving multiple college offers was just as meaningful—it reminded me how far I’ve come and reinforced my belief in how much more I can achieve.

What do you wish you would have done differently?

One thing I wish I would have done differently is my mentality. If I could go back, I would’ve cut off a lot of the toxic influences around me—mentally, physically, and emotionally. At the same time, I understand that every mistake I’ve made taught me an important lesson. Those experiences shaped my growth and helped turn me into the man I am today.

Will you play in any of the all-star games if you are invited?

I’ve been nominated, along with two of my peers, to play in the All-Pub game. Hopefully we all get selected. If not, and they do, I have full confidence they’ll represent us well and play to the high standard I know they’re capable of.

Who was the best team you played against, and what was the thing that made them so good?

Over the course of my career, the best team I played against was Imhotep. As for my senior year, I don’t believe any team we lost to was better than us talent-wise. Those losses came down to simple mistakes rather than being outplayed. In the Bartram game, for example, we lost 42–6, but my defense only allowed 12 of those points. That really sums up who we were as a defensive unit—we did our job, but mistakes in other areas cost us games.

Why should a college coach recruit you?

A college coach should recruit me because I bring intensity, physicality, and a strong desire to win every time I step on the field. I’m a great teammate who puts the team first, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help us win. I take pride in competing, being accountable, and setting the standard through my effort and mindset.

Could you list some of the schools that are recruiting you?

Before my commitment, my top 3 schools were

Eastern University

Highland College

Hidden Valley College

Who are your role models?

Stephen Curry.

 Outside of sports, what are you doing for fun?

Outside of sports, I’m usually either training to get better at my craft or spending time gaming. Most of my focus goes into preparing myself physically and mentally, and when I do have downtime, I use it to relax and reset by playing the game.

What is your favorite meal?

Halal lamb over rice

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