Sheldon Watson
Defensive Back / Carleton University

 

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

 

Sheldon Watson:  6’1, 200 and 4.4. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the Tropical Bowl in Daytona Beach, FL.

 

Sheldon Watson:  To be completely honest, I was shocked at how organized the staff was creating this big opportunity.  The talent, scouts, and support was incredible all weekend.  I had the opportunity to be coached by players that have been where I’m trying to get to and had very successful careers. I  highly recommend anyone that comes from a smaller school to try your best to get into this game.  I feel like it is 100% worth it.

 

Alex Khvatov:  How was the Tropical Bowl experience different from the FCS Bowl?

 

Sheldon Watson:  The talent level and size of the players increased from the FCS Bowl.  With me coming from a small school, I enjoyed going against some of the players we see competing on Saturdays. 

 

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

 

Sheldon Watson:  I had a couple of FCS programs interested mostly from the Southland Conference.  I lost those offers because of grades.  Then the only interest I had was from the Great American Conference and the Lone Star Conference, which are both Division II.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Henderson State?

 

Sheldon Watson:  After losing my FCS scholarships.  I didn’t have too many offers left.  HSU felt like the right choice to pursue my dreams.  Also the 2015 class I have seen my freshman year was so talented that I wanted to be a part of something great.  At the time, HSU was considered the best team in Arkansas going by record.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to transfer to Carleton University?

 

Sheldon Watson:  I wanted to transfer to a bigger school to play on a bigger platform.  I tried the D-I route, but kept getting preferred walk-ons.  I would have to pay so much to even try to get on the team.  I also had a couple D-II schools interested, but I didn’t feel like D-II was the spot for me.  I went with CU.  The coaches at CU showed love from the first time that I talked to them on the phone.  CU was a bigger school.  They had 100k students, went to the 2nd round of the playoffs, and also played a game in a CFL stadium.  CFL scouts were around us all the time and I was even coached by active players on the Ottawa Redblacks team.  Playing at CU was a great way to put the CFL as a backup plan if the NFL doesn’t work out.  My mindset while transferring was to put myself in a great situation.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Sheldon Watson:  I can play all five positions in the DB core.  I am a physical player.  I love to jam a receiver and throw them off their routes.  I have the ability to change a game’s outcome because of my ball skills and the ability to return an interception.  More of a sure tackler than a big hitter.  I like to wrap up and roll my tackles.  It helps not to miss them too often.  My mindset was putting me on the field will help the defense because I’m not shy to communicate or to learn all the positions to be able to help my teammates.

 

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

 

Sheldon Watson:  I want to be taught the proper off man techniques because in college I was only taught to motor and catch.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.

 

Sheldon Watson:  My career was successful.  I got to display my talent and create a great college film to be able to show the generations to come.  Hopefully, I put enough out there on the field, so that an NFL organization would pick up the phone and give me a call.   

 

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

 

Sheldon Watson:  A time that I like to remember was South West Oklahoma University game my last year at Henderson State.  It was the final drive of the game, and they called a time out. While on the sideline getting the adjustments and hydrating up, I told my team that I’m about to catch an interception.  Just be ready to block, we are going to the crib.  Next play, I did exactly what I said.  I took an 87-yard interception for a TD to end the game.

 

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

 

Sheldon Watson:  Graduating college and becoming the first male in my family to do so.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?

 

Sheldon Watson:  I had one coach that always preached, do your 1/11th meaning it’s 11 positions on the field.  The only thing you are in control of is you.  Which you are the one, so be accountable for your team and always do your job and respect and trust your teammates will do theirs.

 

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

 

Sheldon Watson:  Patience.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Sheldon Watson:  Raiders.  My dad was a fan and it rubbed off on me.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Sheldon Watson:  Derwin James or Eddie Jackson.  I feel like our games are very similar and those are films I watch before every game. 

 

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

 

Sheldon Watson:  The O-lineman, I watch the guard not covered by our stunt.  He

normally tells me run or pass with his first steps.

 

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

 

Sheldon Watson:  Jonathan Edouard, shutdown cornerback.  He will probably be the best corner prospect seen from a small school in a long time!

 

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

 

Sheldon Watson:  David Moore from the Seahawks.  I played him at ECU.  He made a lot of plays against us.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Sheldon Watson:  The feeling of being in a game.  It’s like being on an island.  Nothing outside the island matters at all.  Being on a game field is like the only time I’m at complete peace.  Nothing can phase me except not doing my job for my teammates.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

Sheldon Watson:  Working out, reading, video games and watching film of greats on YouTube.

 

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

 

Sheldon Watson:  Become a coach until I get everything in order.  Then become a trainer and try to build up my brand.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

 

Sheldon Watson:  Confidence, determined, accountable, self-motivated, and versatile.