University of Arkansas at Monticello Athletics

Austin Roberts joined the University of Arkansas at Monticello football program in January of 2025 and will enter his 1st season with the Boll Weevils this fall as the Defensive Line and Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Before joining the staff at UAM, Roberts was a member of the Butler Community College football staff, leading the defensive ends throughout the 2024 season with the Grizzlies.

Roberts will bring coaching experience, as well as playing experience, at the NJCAA and NCAA Power 5 levels.

Previously, Roberts saw a stint at Coffeyville Community College, where he was the defensive line coach during the 2021 season. The Red Ravens won the 2021 KJCCC regular season title and saw Roberts' mentorship push multiple defensive linemen to earn all-conference honors. He was also a proficient motivator for the offensive scout team in practice. His defensive teachings prepared the defense and helped coach eight student-athletes who held multiple NCAA D1 offers.

Roberts began his coaching career at Highland Community College during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. In 2018, he served as the linebackers coach, mentoring two of the top three tacklers in the KJCCC, including both Reco Hannah (63 tackles) and Donnell Lowery (68 tackles). He also held the role of recruiting coordinator. 

In 2019, Roberts transitioned to coaching defensive ends and contributed to defensive game planning. That year, he helped develop two defensive linemen, Travis Geiger (Coastal Carolina) and Dre Jones (Abilene Christian), who went on to sign with NCAA Division I programs. Highlighting the season was Highland’s upset victory over the No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Blue Dragons, 29-27.

Roberts’ collegiate playing career began at East Mississippi Community College in 2013, where he helped lead the Lions to an NJCAA National Championship with a 52-32 win over Georgia Military. As a freshman defensive end, he recorded 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in 2014, posting 40 tackles and 4.0 sacks, and earned recognition as a three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports.com. Roberts went on to sign with the University of Oklahoma as a defensive end. 

At Oklahoma, Roberts played two seasons and started 10 games in 2016. That year, he helped the Sooners to an 11-2 record, a Big 12 Championship, and a Sugar Bowl victory over Auburn. During his time in Norman, he totaled 40 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and two pass breakups, contributing to Big 12 titles in both of his seasons with the program. 

A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, and graduate of Northside High School, Roberts earned his bachelor’s degree in African Cultural Relations from the University of Oklahoma in 2018.