CHARLOTTE — Mallard Creek High School offensive lineman Austin Ballou is the first student-athlete featured in this year’s Big 22 Player of the Year profiles.
The player profiles are being introduced in alphabetical order and will air every weekday. The series highlights top local talent leading up to the start of voting for the five finalists on Sept. 4.
Creek head coach Kennedy Tinsley emphasizes a specific philosophy for his offensive linemen called “step three.” The mantra focuses on finishing every block to the very end of the play. Tinsley is working to lead the program back to the level of success it saw a decade ago, when Mallard Creek won three consecutive state championships.
Ballou is expected to help lead that effort with a physical style of play. He stands six feet seven inches tall and weighs 330 pounds.
Ballou said the intense approach is a significant part of his development.
“Grind every play, get everything out of it, just be a dog, basically. It means a lot to me, that’s been a big part of who I’m becoming as a player, making sure I’m finishing every block, everything, just finish,” Ballou said.
Success on the football field is a family tradition for the offensive lineman. Ballou’s father previously played for the University of Wisconsin. Ballou also receives guidance from his cousin, Brandon Parker, who is an Al Brown graduate and a current offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers.
“Last time we came into town, we worked out for a little bit; he showed me some stuff, gave me some real pointers that I use today. It’s been a real inspiration just knowing he’s where I want to be,” Ballou said.
The Big 22 previews will continue tomorrow. The next featured athlete will be York Comprehensive High School quarterback Ryan Brochu.
©2026 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
