Training Camp Confidential: Getting up to speed
August 10, 2018 | Football, Mike Lucas
Freshman tailback Watson embraces learning curve as he seeks role on offense
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BY MIKE LUCAS
UWBadgers.com Senior Writer
"I don't know if I'm redshirting, I haven't been told," said Watson, a freshman tailback. "But that's a good rule they passed. That's pretty legit to me. You can make the most of those four games.
"Don't get me wrong, nobody wants to be redshirted. But if you can still get the reps (in that four-game window), you have to take advantage of it."
UW coach Paul Chryst likes the flexibility of the rule whereby he can manage his roster and allow players to develop at their own pace; picking and choosing four games anywhere on schedule.
If a redshirt continues to grow and progress during the course of the season, he could become a valuable option in the final weeks; a healthy incentive for staying engaged throughout the year.
Mostly, Chryst likes not having to make a decision on redshirting during training camp.
Watson, for one, would like to eliminate any suspense over his playing status.
"You have to show them," Watson said, "why you shouldn't be redshirted."
That's what he has set about doing since arriving on campus in June.
"I didn't necessarily feel behind," Watson said, "I just knew I had to adjust really fast."
Those adjustments have been on-going.
"Everything is a lot faster than high school," said Watson, who wore a "W' on the side of his helmet last season for the Westlake Chaparrals, a Class 6A high school outside of Austin, Texas.
"Playing fast is the key. Honestly, even if you mess up, do it at 100 miles per hour and you'll probably fix it … it's just different when you're not the fastest anymore, and not the biggest."
Football under the lights Gotta love it. #OnWisconsin
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To say that Westlake has a rich football tradition would be an understatement. Among its alums are two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, Drew Brees and Nick Foles.
"They've put out a lot of good players and athletes who have made big names for themselves," said Watson, who can directly relate to University of Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger, a prep teammate.
Watson was not recruited by the Longhorns. "I would have never thought Wisconsin," he said of his recruiting choices, which included Harvard University (same as Jonathan Taylor).
"I didn't realize how far away it (Madison) was until I looked it up one day."
As it was, Watson grew up rooting for Florida State and Georgia, not UT. To this day, he's a big fan of Los Angeles Rams tailback Todd Gurley, a former Bulldog.
"They were both running backs schools," he said, explaining what ultimately lured him to the Badgers who have a rich history with that position group.
As a prep senior, Watson was a workhorse with 268 carries for 1,938 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was described as "one of the most physical backs in Central Texas." He also had 18 catches.
"I'm a one-cut-and-go type of running back," said the 5-foot-11, 227-pound Watson. "I'd rather lower my shoulder than try to go around somebody. That's just me."
By the same token, he was given some friendly advice before leaving home. "I was always told in college, especially the Big Ten," he said, "you can't run over everybody."
It was at about this time in training camp a year ago that Taylor, a fourth-string tailback, was getting the same advice and he began to draw attention to himself by moving up the depth chart.
"He was one of the main reasons why I wanted to come here," said Watson, who gave Taylor high marks for his welcoming personality. "He's open arms with everybody.
"He's not one of those, 'I'm an All-American, so I'm not going to talk to you.'"
Watson has made a point of communicating with all the tailbacks, not just Taylor.
"I ask them questions non-stop all practice," he said.
Some days have gone better than others.
"Today," he said Thursday, "probably wasn't one of my best practices."
Asked why, he replied, "I didn't pay attention to details."
On running plays, he pointed out, "I'd see a hole, but my body reacted late."
It was not an unexpected development for a freshman. But he was not making excuses, either.
"I know I have to focus and pay more attention," he said. "I still have a young mind."
Watson is 18.
"I still have got that high school mentality," he acknowledged. "I know that I have to get rid of that soon. There are little key things in college that will make a big difference."
Like all the newcomers, Watson is in search of one defining answer.
"I have to find my role," he said, "and do what I do."
Assessing his game right now, he said, "I know I'm a first- and second-down back."
After Thursday's practice, Chryst scrimmaged some of his younger players, including Watson, tailback Hunter Johnson, and wide receivers Cade Green, Aron Cruickshank and Taj Mustapha.
Watson enjoyed the extra work because "everything is a little more slowed down" since everybody was still trying to figure out things and competing at the same experience level.
"It felt good to be back in full pads," Watson said afterwards.
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Even though it was a hot and humid day, he stayed cool.
"I'd hear everyone else say, 'It's hot, it's hot," he said. "Not for me. I'm used to it."
While conceding "This is somewhat Texas weather," he added, "Texas is definitely hotter."
For a heat check, Watson called over his roommate, Travian Blaylock, a freshman cornerback from Humble, a Houston suburb three hours from Austin.
Blaylock confirmed that it's much hotter in the Longhorn State.
"We're pretty much in the same boat," Watson said of their friendship and bond. "We're both real far from home, we're both Texas boys and we're both big on football."
