Jamar “Boogie” Watson Interview

Linebacker / Kentucky

Ed Hunt: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Jamar Watson: I’m 6’3, 245 and I don’t have a 40 time yet.

Ed Hunt: How did you get the nickname “Boogie”?

Jamar Watson: It was a family given nickname. A kid and I on my youth basketball team had the same name. One of us had to have a nickname. My father was called “Bookie,” so they just switched the K and called me Boogie.

Ed Hunt: How has losing your OL coach helped this team find its identity?

Jamar Watson: It just made the whole team more grateful for the situation we are in. Watching him go, he really showed us to be grateful and in his last few weeks, he was working hard despite knowing that he wasn’t feeling well. It just taught us to be grateful to play football every day and to go through life every day.

Ed Hunt: Tell me about your trip to Ethiopia.

Jamar Watson: I went to Ethiopia in May 2019. I went on a mission trip, and we helped serve food to the more unfortunate people of the country. We worked with people with disabilities. We went to the mall and movies with them.  It made it hard to complain about the life we live in the United States. It opened my eyes up.

Ed Hunt: Which sack are you most proud of during your career in the SEC?

Jamar Watson: I would say 2017 versus Tennessee because that was my first sack. It was fun in my home stadium against a rival, Tennessee. I wanted to come to the SEC and I got my opportunity.

Ed Hunt: Where are you currently training for the draft?

Jamar Watson: I’m in Deerfield Beach, Florida at the Barwis Training Center.

Ed Hunt: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Jamar Watson: I played basketball. I was predominately a basketball player most of my life until high school when I switched over.

Ed Hunt: What positions did you play in high school? 

Jamar Watson: I was a linebacker in high school. I didn’t play offense or any other position, I was just a linebacker.

Ed Hunt: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Jamar Watson: My final three schools were Kentucky, Old Dominion and University of Virginia. I didn’t have many offers outside of those three.

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Ed Hunt: How would you sum up your career at Kentucky? 

Jamar Watson: I would say consistent and life changing. I didn’t know what the future would hold. For me to be able to get on the field and get to play was definitely a life changing experience.

Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?

Jamar Watson: I think my versatility as a linebacker. I can rush the passer, cover and play in space. There are a lot of things I can do at the linebacker position.  

Ed Hunt: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Jamar Watson: Some teams have talked about playing me at off ball linebacker and some as an edge rusher. Just fine tuning my ability to play inside backer and outside backer.  

Ed Hunt: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Jamar Watson: I would say my personal highlight was winning the Citrus Bowl. Being ranked for much of the season. Playing a prestigious university in that game (Penn State). Having a lot of guys that went pro after that game. That game was special for me.

Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?

Jamar Watson: Growing up my favorite team became the Saints. I was a huge a Reggie Bush fan. I always wanted to play as him in video games and watch him. That became my team because of Reggie Bush.  

Ed Hunt: Is there an NFL edge rusher that you like to watch on film on?

Jamar Watson: I like to watch Von Miller. That is one of my idols of the game. We have similarities in size. Another guy is Yannick Ngakoue. He is a Maryland guy, and I’m from Maryland. Those are two guys that I try to emulate my game.

Ed Hunt:  What underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?

Jamar Watson: There’s quite a few. Josh Paschal, Chris Rodriguez, Josh Ali, Kavosiey Smoke, and Yusuf Corker.

Ed Hunt: Which offensive tackle was your toughest matchup throughout your career?

Jamar Watson: I would say personally Juwan Taylor from Florida. When I played him, he gave me the most problems, but he helped me improve my game. He was a very patient tackle and really made you get around him. The other was Mekhi Becton. Kept your head on a swivel when you went against him.

Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for an edge rusher?

Jamar Watson: The most important is probably having good hand usage, setting the edge, the ability to strike the blocker and tear up blocks. That makes you a better edge defender.  

Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?

Jamar Watson: The camaraderie of being on a football team. Being able to go into a situation and build a bond. You try to not let them down and play as hard as you can. So many guys being on one team and being that one unit.

Ed Hunt: How has this journey of perseverance made you stronger?

Jamar Watson: I think the journey of perseverance can make anyone strong. It makes you much better as a person. Getting through my journey as the college aspect of things. It has inspired me to keep going.  

Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?

Jamar Watson: I’m very relaxed, laid back guy. I like Netflix shows. I like to go out, explore and see things around the world. I like to play video games a little bit. I’m a simple guy who likes to kick back off the field.  

Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Jamar Watson: I’m interested in getting into law enforcement. It’s been my dream since I was a kid. It has kind of become my plan B.

Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?

Jamar Watson: I think my mentality and my knowledge of things. There is a stereotype with football players and linebackers, and I don’t think I believe any of them. I don’t let the game of football define me as a person or be my limit.  

Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?

Jamar Watson: Patient, calm, easy-going, respectful and charismatic.