| South Carolina’s Mr. Football in 1998 and an All-State running back, Watson originally committed to Tennessee before Lou Holtz convinced him to come on board with the Gamecocks over the Vols, Georgia, N.C. State and Clemson. He had an immediate impact, rushing for 118 yards in his debut, playing in a torrential downpour at N.C. State. Watson didn’t break 100 yards again that year, but showed flashes of his talent. He was the full-time starter in 2000 and earned second team All-SEC honors from The Sporting News. He opened the season with a bang, picking up 93 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Georgia and then torching Eastern Michigan for 215 yards. Watson would also break the century mark against Kentucky (149), Arkansas (136), Vanderbilt (128) and Clemson (150). Watson missed the Outback Bowl that season due to suspension, but came back as the starter in 2001. He would have two 100-yard games: Kentucky (135, including a 58 yard run that provided the winning touchdown) and Vanderbilt (105). He was suspended before the 2002 season and transferred to South Carolina State. He had a tryout with the Patriots (2003) and was with the Buccaneers in 2005 and played two seasons with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL (2009-10). | |