Tre Watson
Linebacker
Maryland
Ed Hunt: What are your measurements? (Height, Weight and 40 time)
Tre Watson: I’m 6’1 5/8, 241 lbs and I will probably run a low 4.7 40 time.
Ed Hunt: What is your best position in the linebacker corps?
Tre Watson: 3-4 inside linebacker, off the ball.
Ed Hunt: What positions can you play?
Tre Watson: I can play any of the linebacker positions, but I’m more of an off the ball linebacker
Ed Hunt: Who is the best player you have faced on an opposing team?
Tre Watson: Akrum Wadley from Iowa and Quinton Flowers from USF.
Ed Hunt: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Tre Watson: I was a late bloomer. Illinois, Vanderbilt, USF and Virginia. It came down to Illinois and Virginia.
Ed Hunt: What made you ultimately choose Illinois?
Tre Watson: I wanted to go somewhere where I felt comfortable. I didn’t want to be a second-tier guy. I was a priority there.
Ed Hunt: Why did you choose to transfer from Illinois?
Tre Watson: I was a graduate transfer. I didn’t feel like it was the place where I could be my best self. There were other opportunities.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?
Tre Watson: I have a complete skill set as a linebacker, my physicality and I make consistent plays.
Ed Hunt: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Tre Watson: Biggest thing is really working on athleticism. I won’t ever be the uber-athlete, but I can train.
Ed Hunt: Describe your overall career.
Tre Watson: In many ways, not many people would envy my career. I went through five head coaches and two schools. It has shaped me to be the person and player that I am. Being able to get to Maryland and play the game. Show my ability and show what I can do as a linebacker.
Ed Hunt: What is the highlight of your career at this point?
Tre Watson: Being able to get those All-American arms. It’s something you dream about like in video games.
Ed Hunt: I noticed you are good at reading the run. What do you attribute this to?
Tre Watson: Really my biggest thing is knowing the game. Just reading my keys and knowing how to react. If I know where my help is, it helps me. Seeking out physicality, that’s important when reading the run.
Ed Hunt: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Tre Watson: Off the field, football is business. It’s important to look after your business, but also know what you are doing to help others. I got to learn from Coach Barnes. His coaching style got the most out of me. We worked well together.
Ed Hunt: Tell me about your Illinois experience.
Tre Watson: My Illinois experience was hectic because I went through so many coaches. It affected my development. I met some great people while I was there.
Ed Hunt: Is there a role you have played on special teams thus far in your career?
Tre Watson: My redshirt freshman year, I played every phase of special teams. I am a very willing blocker. I love to block and make way for runners.
Ed Hunt: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Tre Watson: I was a huge Michael Vick fan. He is my all-time favorite player.
Ed Hunt: What’s the most important trait for a linebacker?
Tre Watson: The most important thing for a linebacker is football knowledge.
Ed Hunt: Before the ball is snapped, what tendencies are you looking for in that offense?
Tre Watson: There’s a lot of things you look into. It is based on what you see on tape. You have to recognize the run and the pass. We also have to watch the triangle.
Ed Hunt: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Tre Watson: Antwoine Brooks. He’s an animal off the edge. RB Anthony McFarland too. We had a lot of really young players. Isaiah Davis. My counterpart. He is a thumper for sure.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
Tre Watson: It’s an outlet for everything. Your excitement, your frustration, you can be as violent and enthusiastic as you want to be. I am a competitor. I hate losing.
Ed Hunt: Who is your biggest role model and why?
Tre Watson: Both my parents have been instrumental. My Dad played in the NFL in the mid-90s. He has always been there to support me. My mom will be my #1 fan. She has always been there for me. I love that they allow me to do what I want to do.
Ed Hunt: What is your definition of a leader?
Tre Watson: Above all else is someone who can be emulated. Other people want to be like them. Act first and talk later kind of guy. A leader is trusted and respected by all. That takes time to earn.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after football?
Tre Watson: There are a lot of things. I was pre-dental, so I want to be an orthodontist. I want to own businesses. Broadcasting could also be in my future.
Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?
Tre Watson: Tenacious, competitive, enthusiastic, unwavering and passionate.
Ed Hunt: Who will win the Super Bowl next year?
Tre Watson: Whatever team I’m on.
