Josh Watson
Linebacker
Colorado State

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

 

Josh Watson:  My height was 6’0 7/8, weight was 231, 9 ¾ hand size, 81 7/8 wingspan and 33 ½ arm length.  My vert was 36.5, broad jump was 10’10, 20-yard shuttle was a 4.19, 6.99 L-drill and my 40-time range was in the low 4.6’s.  

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

 

Josh Watson:  I was training at Landow Performance in Denver, Co before the Pro Day.  Now I am at Driven Elite in Grapevine, Texas.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Were you happy with your numbers?

 

Josh Watson:  I was satisfied.  There is always room for improvement.  I needed to keep a strong knee and ankle when I was running my forty.

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Josh Watson:  I had a lot of schools.  Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, K-State, Iowa, Army, Navy and South Dakota State.    

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Colorado State?

Josh Watson:  I felt like it was an opportunity for me to get out of Missouri and meet new people.  I was born and raised in Missouri.  The linebackers on the team took me underneath their wing.  They showed me what it was like to be a college player.  They were my family away from home.  I wanted to play at the next level, and Colorado State was the best place for me.  Fort Collins is a beautiful place.  It is a safe town.  I wanted to get a good education.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Josh Watson:  I bring energy, enthusiasm and courage.  I will always compete and get the job done.  Guys around me will know their job, and I will know my job.  I always hold myself accountable.  I find the ball, have good football IQ and disrupt plays.   

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Josh Watson:  This past season, I trimmed my body and lost body fat.  I got in the best shape of my life and got faster.  The game has changed a lot at the LB position.  You have to be a fast LB now at the next level. 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

Josh Watson:  As a team, we won 10 games during my freshman year under coach Mac.  Then the coaching staff left for Florida.  We got a new head coach Mike Bobo.  We went 7-6 two straight years. Then last season, we went 3-9.  It is the worst record that I have ever had.  It was a learning lesson for us.  Offseason and practices are important.  I had a great career.  There were some ups and downs, but I learned a lot.  I was the first person to the ball.  My leadership has been outstanding.  I held myself accountable.  I made a lot of plays.  Two years ago, I was fourth in the country in pass breakups for non-DB’s.  I led the team in tackles for two years.  I was a starter for three years.  I am reliable.  My productivity is high.  I make a lot of impact tackles.  I learned true fundamentals at the LB position from my coaches. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

Josh Watson:  My productivity.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?

Josh Watson:  Getting my degree.  That was my number one goal.  I could have come out last year, but I wanted to get my degree.  I got a degree in communications and minor in criminal justice.   

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

Josh Watson:  Accountability and effort.  You can’t coach effort.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Josh Watson:  Kansas City was my favorite team growing up.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Josh Watson:  Ray Lewis. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a LB?

Josh Watson:  Having great instincts and a high IQ.     

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?

Josh Watson:  First off, I get the call and set the front of the defense.  I look at the formation and give the defense the checks.  I look at the personnel.  I get my checks and I know what I will get from the offense.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Josh Watson:  #33 LB Emmanuel Jones is a baller.  He will make it in the league.  DT Ellison Hubbard, safety Jamal Hicks and safety Braylin Scott.  FB Adam Prentice and QB Collin Hill.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Josh Watson:  Illinois State RB last year (James Robinson). 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Josh Watson:  Competing at a high level.  It makes me feel good.  I always like to challenge myself. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Josh Watson:  Holding himself accountable and doing the right thing all the time.  Someone who never lets his teammates down. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Josh Watson:  Work out, watch film, hang out with family and cut hair. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Josh Watson:  I want to be a high school football coach.  I also might open up my own sports performance gym.  I also want to open up a retirement home and help my community back at home. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

 

Josh Watson:  Being able to be different and look at things differently.  I am very observant.  I see things that others don’t see.  People say I am weird, but I see things differently than others. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Josh Watson:  Hard-working, intelligent, leader, God-fearing and loyal.