Austin Proehl, son of former NFL wideout Ricky Proehl, was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina where he starred for Providence High School and head coach Randy Long as a wide receiver and return specialist.
During his senior season, Proehl caught 89 passes for 1,190 yards and eight touchdowns. His performance earned him a nod to the state’s Shrine Bowl and a selection to the Blue-Grey All-American Game which was played in Tampa Bay, Florida. The First-Team All Mecklenburg selection helped his team to a 8-5 record and a birth in the second round of the NCHSAA 4-AA state playoffs.